About Otto Aerospace
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 Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.
About the Role
As a Hardware Engineering Manager at Otto Aerospace, you will lead the team responsible for the architecture, development, and integration of advanced hardware systems for the SuperNatural Vision Infotainment System (SNVIS). You will oversee top-level hardware features, requirements, and system specifications, guide vendor and technology-partner engagements, and drive the full engineering lifecycle—from concept and design through implementation, validation, and release. This role will report to the VP Software
The SuperNatural Vision (SNV) team at Otto Aerospace is dedicated to developing cutting-edge cabin interior systems that enhance the in-flight experience for passengers. Our team is responsible for the design, development, and integration of the SuperNatural Vision Infotainment System, including all hardware, software, and AI/ML engineering.
What You'll Do
- Own and manage top-level hardware features, requirements, and system specifications for the SNVIS platform
- Lead the hardware engineering organization, setting technical direction, establishing best practices, and ensuring high-quality execution across design, development, and validation
- Oversee definition, tracking, and maintenance of hardware requirements for compute modules, power systems, sensors, and all supporting electronic subsystems
- Guide vendor and technology-partner engagements, including evaluation and selection of processors, boards, components, and hardware subsystems
- Ensure comprehensive system-level requirements are captured and managed, including power, performance, data I/O, communication protocols, reliability, environmental, and thermal constraints
- Drive and support aviation certification activities for hardware systems and safety-critical components
- Lead and coordinate engineering design reviews, hardware bring-up, integration efforts, and cross-functional validation activities
- Define and maintain interface specifications between SNVIS hardware, embedded compute systems, avionics buses, and the Cabin Management System
Who You Are
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Experience
- 10+ years of relevant industry experience in hardware engineering for shipped/released products in aviation, robotics, automotive, consumer electronics, or related industries, with 3+ years in a technical leadership or management role
- Experience leading hardware engineering teams through the full product development lifecycle, from concept and architecture through production release and sustaining engineering
- Experience defining hardware development roadmaps, managing project schedules and resources, and delivering complex electronics systems on time and within budget
- Deep technical background in hardware system architecture and design
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including firmware, systems, manufacturing, quality, and certification to ensure successful product development and launch
- Demonstrated success managing vendor relationships, contract manufacturers, and supply chain partners for electronics production
- Passion for aviation and highly reliable system design with understanding of relevant certification requirements and industry standards
Required Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing hardware engineering teams
- Strong technical and strategic vision to define hardware roadmaps, guide architecture decisions, and balance innovation, reliability, schedule, and cost
- Effective program management and communication skills, including resource planning, risk management, cross-functional coordination, and clear technical communication to all levels
- Robust hardware engineering background across embedded systems, power electronics, signal integrity, PCB design, and system integration, with the ability to provide credible technical direction and resolve complex challenges
- Experience working with DO-178C, DO-254, and ARP4754A compliance
- Experience with FAA Part 23/25 or EASA CS-23/25 certification processes
Where You'll Be
**This role is a remote position and will travel 1 week every 4-6 weeks to our corporate headquarters for team collaboration**
Benefits
Otto Aerospace 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 Aerospace 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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Top Skills
What We Do
Otto is creating the future of sustainable air travel through paradigm-shifting design, performance and economics. We’re a mature but scrappy startup guided by a team of experienced and accomplished aerospace leaders ushering in a revolutionary transonic super-laminar aircraft that is more operationally efficient and more environmentally friendly.
