Director, Mechanical and Flight Systems Engineering

Supernal•Irvine, CA

2d•$300,389 - $367,143•Onsite

About The Position

Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system. The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow! Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week. At Supernal, we are working on new eVTOL technology to make the world a better place with Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The Director, Mechanical and Flight Systems Engineering (M&FS) is responsible for guiding the development and certification of innovative dynamic systems (rotors, gearboxes), airframe, materials & processes, avionics, actuation, landing gear, cockpit controls, and interiors designs to achieve functional and performance requirements. The department supports the complete life cycle of associated components: requirements, concept development, engineering integration, prelim and final design and analysis, manufacturing start-up, testing, qualification, certification, production and in-service support. The role works with team members across Supernal and externally on cutting edge technologies including rotor design, composite manufacturing, and advanced structural analysis to meet safety, quality, cost, schedule, and people goals. Our ideal candidate has significant experience and expertise in FAA certificated development programs. This role will report to the CTO.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Aeronautical or equivalent disciplines.
15+ years of experience working with fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft concept development, product design and analysis, test, certification, production, and in-service support, preferably FAA Part 23/25/27/29 programs
10+ years of experience with composite design, analysis and production
Experience with implementation of new material and manufacturing techniques for FAA acceptance
Experience working closely with multi-disciplinary teams of leaders to ensure the best quality decisions are made for the team as a whole
Ability to distill high level goals and constraints into clear, concise, and actionable objectives is a must
Ability to build productive relationships quickly and effectively with internal and external leaders
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proactive delivery of communication and follow-up
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
Self-motivated and forward-thinking personality

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with aviation industry groups (e.g., CMH17, ASTM F44, RTCA) is desired.
Experience with aerospace development program planning, budgeting, technology road-mapping, cross-functional collaboration, multi-disciplinary team leadership, functional excellence responsibilities, and multi-site organizational leadership experience is desired

Responsibilities

Guide development, implementation, and certification of dynamic systems (rotor, gearbox), airframe, flight systems, and interiors components for all Supernal prototype/proof-of-concept and production programs
Ensure the structural integrity of the rotors and airframe through appropriate analysis and test
Ensure appropriate requirements development and validation and supplier selection and coordination for flight systems including avionics, actuation, inceptors, and landing gear
Ensure all U/X and interior design requirements are engineered into the aircraft interior and certifiable
Ensure materials and process selection, documentation, qualification, and execution practices meet acceptable standards and provide competitive advantage
Plan and assign project responsibilities across the M&FS organization and ensure plans are integrated with other organizations across the company and partners
Guide development of program M&FS requirements and supervise validation and verification
Develop and manage schedule, budget, work scope, and risk by aligning resources to balance program needs for multiple programs in parallel
Collaborate closely with “upstream” (Flight Tech, Product) and “downstream” (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Certification) internal stakeholders and suppliers to execute M&FS program work statement through all phases: requirements & concept development, engineering integration & design, manufacturing, testing, qualification, certification & production
Establish and implement M&FS product development workflows and deploy from conceptual design to first article production.
Maintain effective communication with the leadership team, internal departments, suppliers, and customers concerning technical issues affecting the program
Define strategic direction for M&FS including staffing, make/buy, and technology decisions
Guide selection and development of new manufacturing technologies, engineering tools, and aircraft structural designs
Collaborate to provide needs for and guide “building block”-based development of next generation materials and manufacturing methods to support very high-rate production vehicles, aligned to the needs of the aircraft and business
Ensure that the Technical and Manufacturing Readiness (TRL/MRL) of strategic technologies meet M&FS needs
Identify and review opportunities for developing and/or acquiring new technologies required to improve safety, reliability, performance, and cost, including via collaborations with external research organizations as appropriate
Establish strategies for testing to define and validate methods, material properties, and simulation techniques
Build high-performing, cohesive teams in Dynamic Systems, Airframe, M&P, Flight Systems, and Interiors Design, Analysis, and Test
Provide infrastructure, support and awareness of resources to entire M&FS Team
Create and execute strategies for coaching, mentoring, and developing the M&FS Engineering function across Supernal, including training
Meet company goals for diversity, equity and inclusion
Hire experienced, yet forward-thinking team members
Provide subject matter expertise (SME) to M&FS team
Establish culture of quality and safety within M&FS function, including by creating and managing metrics for engineering performance and quality; prioritize Safety Above All
Develop and maintain analysis and design criteria, standards, policies and procedures for all Supernal teams doing M&FS engineering, acknowledging and accommodating the different design drivers and certification approaches
Implement Supernal Part Classification consistently across teams
Facilitate collaboration with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization as well as Hyundai Motor Group companies, suppliers, regulatory agencies, other governmental agencies, research institutions, and industry representatives as needed
Represent M&FS at external and investor events
Coordinate and communicate regularly with team members in Supernal to provide and receive updates on project progress, quality metrics, project summaries, and other related information.