Associate Engineer, Materials, Processes & Structural Test

About Otto Aviation 
OTTO is developing the world’s first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aviation is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

About the Role
Reporting to the Manager – Materials, Processes, and Structural Test, the Associate Engineer – Materials, Processes, and Structural Test supports the execution of structural and materials testing in a dynamic and collaborative aerospace lab environment. The Associate Engineer serves as a technical focal to support the M&P/Structural Test team with test setup and execution, providing timely and accurate results to meet Engineering and Quality test requirements. This role is responsible for hands-on test setup, instrumentation, and data collection/reduction activities.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Principal Engineer with breakdown of test plan requirements


• Fabricate composite test articles in accordance with engineering drawings, process specifications, and quality standards


• Assemble test setups, including fixturing, equipment set-up, and support structures for static and fatigue testing. Set up and execute structural and materials tests, including static, fatigue, and environmental per test plans and procedures


• Install and verify instrumentation such as load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, and pressure and displacement sensors


• Support material lab testing to fulfill incoming acceptance test requirements and production process requirements


• Perform coupon-level material testing to generate material properties and allowables


• Perform real-time monitoring and post-test data reduction to deliver clean, traceable datasets to engineering teams


• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot test setups and ensure test objectives are met


• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and inventory of tools, fixtures, and consumables.


• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to test efficiency, safety, and data quality

Who You Are

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Experience

• 0-2 years of experience in an aerospace-related structural or materials test lab


• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and technical procedures


• Design and 3D modeling experience with CATIA software is preferred


• Proficiency in installing and troubleshooting test instrumentation (including bonded skin gages) and set-up of data acquisition systems is preferred


• Strong mechanical aptitude, as well as experience with fixturing and test rig assembly


• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail


• Effective communication and excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset


• Continuous learning mindset

Required Skills

• Active Listening: Strive to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders


• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed, value-based decisions


• Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers


• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points to formulate the best solution


• Self-Motivation: Demonstrate the highest level of commitment and drive to see projects through


• Teamwork and Team Building: Contribute to a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills work together effectively and hold themselves accountable to shared goals


• Strong Business Communication: Use professional language and tone in all forms of communication

Where You’ll Be

This position will be 100% onsite at our headquarters in Ft Worth, TX. It will then transition to our new headquarters in Jacksonville, FL, in approximately 1 year (company-paid relocation).

Benefits

Otto Aviation provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability, and additional term life, with 15 paid days off, 15 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.

Otto Aviation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.