careers

Posted 29 March 2025:

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer

Position Summary

In this role, you will first lead the design of Flight Frame’s Integration Module—a universal adapter that enables seamless interchangeability of various system modules for mission flexibility and technological upgrades – followed by the design of additional system modules needed to complete the entire HARP-E aircraft. You’ll collaborate with major aerospace OEMs to develop a universal standard for current and future operational needs, overseeing the entire product development process from requirements gathering through to testing and validation. This is a unique opportunity for a well-rounded Systems/Aerospace Engineer to build a transformative product from the ground up, working with a talented cross-functional team in a fast-paced startup setting. This position also offers the chance to rapidly advance toward a leadership role such as Head of Engineering or CTO, depending on performance, leadership ability, and strategic contributions.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Systems Architecture & Design

o   Define overall architecture for the Integration Module, ensuring compatibility with a variety of aircraft system modules (e.g., avionics, propulsion, powerplant).

o   Develop system requirements and interface definitions in collaboration with OEM partners.

2.       Requirement Elicitation & Documentation

o   Engage with industry stakeholders to capture detailed design requirements.

o   Document technical specifications and ensure alignment with regulatory standards (FAA/EASA) and OEM input.

3.       Technical Leadership

o   Drive product development from concept to prototype, coordinating with cross-functional teams (mechanical, software, certification) to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.

o   Evaluate trade-offs among design constraints (weight, reliability, manufacturability) to optimize system performance.

4.       Standards Development & Industry Collaboration

o    Collaborate with OEMs and standards committees to define a universal integration protocol for aerospace components.

o    Stay ahead of emerging technologies in advanced materials, autonomous systems, and electrification to ensure future scalability.

5.      System Testing & Validation

o    Oversee subsystem and full-module testing, including environmental stress tests, load simulations, and performance evaluations.

o    Work closely with quality assurance teams to validate compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-254).

6.     Continuous Improvement & Innovation

o    Promote innovative design practices and implement continuous improvements based on lessons learned and feedback from OEMs and early adopters.

o    Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and maintain rigorous documentation.

 Qualifications

·         Education:

o    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.

o    Advanced degree in aerospace systems design (PhD) is a plus, but not required.

·         Experience:

o    5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace engineering or systems engineering roles.

o    Proven track record of leading end-to-end product development in a regulated industry (aerospace, defense, etc.).

o    Familiarity with certification standards (FAA, EASA) and design guidelines (e.g., ARP4754A).

·         Technical Skills:

o    Expertise in systems integration, interface control documents (ICDs), and requirements management.

o    Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS).

o    Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software integration best practices.

o    Knowledge of DO-160, DO-254, or related compliance standards is highly desired.

·         Soft Skills:

o    Integrity and credibility. Flight Frame is keen on building a trust-based culture and expects the highest levels of integrity and ethics in its employees.

o    Strong written and verbal communication, capable of translating complex engineering concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

o    Excellent organizational and leadership abilities, with a history of guiding cross- functional teams to achieve project milestones.

o    Collaborative mindset with the ability to build and maintain relationships with OEM partners and vendors.

o    Self-driven mindset; As an early-stage startup, Flight Frame employees will likely be constantly on the move and thus must be capable of working remotely and staying engaged and driven with minimal oversight.