Principal Aerospace Engineer
Enigma Aerospace
Responsibilities
- Lead the aircraft and systems design from initial development through build, test, and delivery to the manufacturing team
- Define and track key system-level design parameters throughout the design
- Develop and validate simulation models for fixed wing aircraft dynamics, integrating aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and environmental factors
- Architect, model, simulate, and implement structural, avionics, propulsion, and flight controls systems to meet aircraft performance and stability
- Lead detailed structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis of critical airframe components to ensure durability, reliability, and compliance
- Forge and manage strong vendor relationships
- Ensure all sub-systems work harmoniously together by defining, developing, and testing robust interfaces
- Embody a proactive and optimistic approach, bringing a can-do attitude to the workplace every day, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment
- Travel up to 30% of the time including domestic and international
Desired Qualifications
- MS or higher degree in a relevant engineering field
- 10+ years of technical experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with experience working on large (>500 lbs. MTOW) fixed wing unmanned and/or autonomous aircraft systems
- Proven experience leading an aircraft design from requirements through prototyping to manufacturing
- Deep and broad knowledge of UAS sub-systems from avionics to structures, mission software, and systems integration
- Experience with government programs or development of DoD technology
- Experience in the development and delivery to a schedule of a complex hardware and software system
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate problems and solutions to both technical and non-technical individuals
- Excels at collaborating in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities, technical requirements, and a growing team
- Must be eligible to work in the US
Great to have Qualifications and Skills
- Experience successfully delivering large, fixed wing UAS or autonomous aircraft(s) in a similar function
- Strong ability to quickly perform trade studies along design, components, systems, vendor dimensions and present to leadership
- Experience with lab and flight testing of aircraft and/or major subsystems
- Broad understanding across major aircraft systems (aerodynamics, flight controls, structures, avionics, propulsion including IC engines, mission software, etc.) with meaningful depth in at least one
- Experience with systems engineering, requirements management, CAD, software engineering, and program management tools
- You are an empathetic team-player, who is an excellent listener and can persuasively communicate their ideas and plans to parties of all backgrounds
- You are an ambitious and self-motivated individual who eagerly approaches ambiguity and is committed to delivering a high-quality work product
- You are a highly detail-oriented with a track record of sound judgement
- You are an avid aviation enthusiast, private pilot, and have flight experience
- You have military experience and hold a security clearance
Benefits, Equity, & Work Location
Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work-from-home policies, stock options, free parking on-site, and a well-stocked snacks and coffee environment.
This position is eligible for equity compensation.
Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on-site with an expectation that commuting to our test sites will be required often.
About Enigma Aerospace
Enigma Aerospace is building the next-generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed-wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway-independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery. Our technologies deliver charter-level performance at freight prices, redefining what’s possible in the $150B air cargo market.
Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture-backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.
