Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.
About the Role
Whisper Aero is seeking a hands-on Head of Ground Test to lead the team, resources, and processes behind our electric propulsion testing. This role reports to the VP of Engineering Operations. You will lead 12 engineers and technicians, own the test strategy and infrastructure, and deliver accurate, defensible results for our customers.
What You'll Do
Lead the Team
- Hire, develop, and mentor test engineers and technicians, building expertise in instrumentation, test methods, and Müller-BBM PAK.
- Prioritize people, equipment, and facilities across programs while driving safety, quality, and accountability.
Own Test Execution
- Lead propulsor development and qualification testing across performance, acoustics, structural dynamics, durability, and environmental conditions.
- Own test planning, readiness reviews, execution, hazard analysis, and reporting for our programs.
- Manage test scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables while partnering with engineering teams to validate designs and models.
Build Test Capabilities
- Own test capability strategy, capital investment planning, and upgrades across test stands, chambers, electrical infrastructure, and wind tunnel integration.
- Standardize data acquisition, calibration, configuration control, and reporting around Müller-BBM PAK and customer-auditable practices.
- Drive test automation and data analysis using Python/MATLAB, improving efficiency and repeatability.
Ensure Safety and Customer Confidence
- Own test safety for rotating machinery, high-power electrical systems, and hazardous environments, including OSHA/NFPA 70E practices.
- Deliver clear technical conclusions to engineering leadership, customers, and investors.
- Manage vendor relationships, outsourced testing, and department budgets.
Basic Qualifications
- BS with 12+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant test experience in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
- 5+ years leading and developing test engineers and technicians.
- Deep hands-on experience testing rotating machinery, propulsion, or electromechanical systems.
- Expertise in instrumentation, dynamic data acquisition, and signal analysis (FFT, order tracking, modal analysis); Müller-BBM PAK strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB and working knowledge of high-power electrical systems and safety.
- Proven experience building or upgrading test facilities and managing budgets, schedules, and multiple programs.
- Experience developing test plans, procedures, hazard analyses, technical reports, and engineer training.
- Strong technical communication skills with leadership and customers.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not provided.
Bonus Qualifications
- Expert Müller-BBM PAK proficiency, including automation.
- Acoustics, NVH, wind tunnel testing, or advanced instrumentation.
- NASA, DoD, FAA, or government test range experience.
- Qualification testing (DO-160, MIL-STD-810) or ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems.
- Startup experience building test processes and managing large datasets.
- Passion for aviation and innovation.
- Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
- PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
- Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
- End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
- We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional Development Stipend
Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Skills Required
- BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 12+ years of relevant test experience; or MS with 10+ years; or PhD with 8+ years
- 5+ years leading test engineers and technicians, including hiring, performance management, and team growth
- Deep hands-on experience with ground testing of rotating machinery, propulsion, or electromechanical systems
- Hands-on experience with dynamic data acquisition systems
- Expertise with strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, microphones, pressure transducers, amplifiers, and signal conditioners
- Strong command of FFT, order tracking, digital filtering, modal analysis, and data reduction using Python or MATLAB
- Working knowledge of high-power electrical systems, electric machine characterization, and related safety practices
- Track record of building or substantially upgrading test facilities, including scoping, budgeting, vendor selection, and commissioning
- Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, and cross-functional relationships across multiple programs
- Experience training and mentoring engineers in instrumentation and test methods
- Experience writing and reviewing test plans, procedures, hazard analyses, and test reports for external customers
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including presenting results to senior leadership and customers
- U.S. Person status
- Muller-BBM PAK experience
- Experience in acoustics, aeroacoustics, NVH, or noise and vibration engineering
- Experience with low-speed wind tunnel testing and advanced instrumentation
- Experience supporting NASA, DoD, or FAA test programs, including government test ranges
- Experience with qualification or certification testing such as DO-160 or MIL-STD-810
- Experience establishing ISO/IEC 17025 calibration or laboratory quality systems
- Experience with data management systems for large test datasets
- Experience in startup or fast-growth environments building processes from scratch
What We Do
Whisper Aero is a next-generation electric propulsion company developing ultra-quiet, efficient thrust systems for drones, aircraft, and electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles. Its technologies address the noise, safety, performance, and cost limitations of conventional open-rotor propulsion, enabling cleaner air mobility and air-moving products. The company also develops and tests electric propulsors for commercial, civil, and defense applications in Tennessee, with a mission to deliver electric thrust at scale.
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