Manager, 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 Director of Test and Certification, the Manager of Materials, Processes, and Structural Test leads the development, qualification, and execution of structural and materials testing in support of aircraft design, certification, and production.  This role is responsible for building and developing a high-performing team, managing test operations, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, traceable, and timely test data to support compliance with structural performance, safety, and regulatory standards.  The manager will collaborate across internal and external engineering, manufacturing, and certification functions to deliver safe, efficient, and certifiable solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to support structural and materials testing
• Develop in-house testing and qualification capabilities to support development and certification of aircraft materials, processes, and structure
• Manage M&P/Structural test labs to support execution of structural and materials test campaigns aligned with program milestones
• Engage with external suppliers and testing facilities as needed to develop materials and processes and complete required testing of aircraft materials and structures
• Establish and maintain test and evaluation procedures, ensuring adherence to existing standards and best practices
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the development, test, and qualification of materials
• Coordinate with engineering and test support teams to define test requirements, test article configurations, and instrumentation requirements
• Support development of materials and process specifications, including flammability, corrosion resistance, etc.
• Oversee Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), conformity inspections, and test witnessing in collaboration with DERs and FAA representatives
• Oversee execution of test plans for static, fatigue, and damage tolerance testing of aircraft components and assemblies
• Ensure compliance with FAA conformity and certification requirements, including documentation and traceability of test articles
• Maintain traceability of test data and ensure proper archival for certification and future reference
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for test anomalies or failures
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in lab safety protocols, equipment calibration, test methods, lab automation, data acquisition, and data analytics
• Manage budget, procurement, and scheduling of test resources, including fixtures, sensors, and data systems
• Oversee the hiring, training, and performance of lab personnel, including engineers and technicians
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior test engineers and technicians

Who You Are

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

Experience

• 15 years of experience in structural testing, materials engineering, or related aerospace disciplines
• Strong project planning, management, and execution skills with the ability to prioritize and handle small and large projects and to collaborate productively in multidiscipline team environments
• Ability to organize and motivate teams of technical professionals and provide mentorship to less experienced employees
• Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills
• Strong understanding of composite materials, bonding techniques, and structural test methods
• Working knowledge of applicable 14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29 certification requirements, FAA certification processes, and conformity requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and interface with regulatory authorities
• Experience with testing of metallic and composite aircraft structures
• Knowledge of environmental conditioning, flammability testing, and damage tolerance evaluation
• Proficiency in test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis tools
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials behavior under mechanical and environmental loads
• Working knowledge of typical aerospace composites and related materials (e.g., prepregs, fibers, resins, cores, adhesives, coatings) for structural and non-structural applications
• Working knowledge of aerospace composite manufacturing processes including prepreg, wet layup, sandwich fabrication, and automated manufacturing methodologies (e.g., AFP, ATL)
• Familiarity with aerospace fasteners (rivets, bolts, etc.), composite and metallic drilling and fastening processes, aerospace soft materials (O-rings, seals, lubricants, etc.), and aerospace coolants, lubricants, etc.
• Hands-on composite fabrication experience preferred
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidance such as 14 CFR Part 23/25, AC 23-20, and AC 25.571
• Familiarity with structural substantiation methods and compliance documentation (e.g., stress reports, test plans, and test reports)
• Experience writing, reviewing, and facilitating test plans, reviewing planning documents for test execution, and preparation of specifications, test reports, and other documentation
• Hands-on experience with composite mechanical testing
• Experience in analytical methods and tools (e.g., mechanical testing)
• Experience with CATIA (V5/3DX) and Enovia (3DX) preferred

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 

<<You will need to be able to travel to our Headquarters in Ft Worth, TX 1 week per month, then need to TRANSITION TO 100% ONSITE @ Jacksonville at our new campus in around mid 2026>>

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.

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