Lead Engineer, Airframe Design

Supernal•Irvine, CA

1d•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. The Lead Engineer, Airframe Design is responsible for guiding the strategic direction and execution of the design, build, and test prototype and production aircraft, while overseeing the development of the fundamental framework of standard processes and procedures within the subject area for conceptual, preliminary, and detail design. The Lead Airframe Designer drives design for manufacturing from concept to production releases and ensures a smooth transition into production with the operations team. The position collaborates with all technical development teams, including systems, interiors, flight technology, and manufacturing and supports the airframe team meeting its delivery, weight, and cost targets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant engineering field is required
A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in airframe design
Experience with aircraft conceptual design and development programs and Rotorcraft design/industry
Proficient in CAD software (Catia, UG, Pro-E, Solidworks)
Proficient in composite structures design and fabrication
Proficient in design optimization and load path analysis
Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Highly collaborative and proactive communicator
Ability to operate independently within a narrow range of tasks with minimal supervision
Ability to create schedules for own tasks, prioritize, and accomplish work within time constraints
Ability to proactively identify problems, recommend solutions or improvements, and create and implement contingency plans

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred
Familiarity or expertise with MRB, structural testing, flight test, or test data monitoring/evaluation
Familiarity with certification process
Project Engineering experience/skills

Responsibilities

Guide trade studies, conceptual design layouts, and release of details and assemblies for major primary and secondary airframe structures
Lead development of new manufacturing technologies, engineering tools, and airframe structural designs
Define strategy for major integrated systems or programs
Coach, mentor, and develop others on the Airframe Design team on technical topics and various design methods
Work closely with structural analysis and test engineers to make decisions on test requirements that support element, component, and vehicle level testing
Make sound technical decisions and represent the design team as a subject matter expert
Communicate directly with management and cross-functional leaders as required
Document design configurations and decision justifications for milestone design reviews (CoDR, PDR, CDR) and safety of test/flight reviews (FRR, TRR)
Define the scope of supplier work and represent the company to suppliers as final technical authority
Review drawing packages and test plans
Create or update internal handbooks/manuals for best practices
May require up to 10% of domestic and international travel
Other duties as assigned