Natilus is building the next generation of aviation through the development of blended-wing-body aircraft, delivering a step-change in overall efficiency. Our growing family of aircraft is designed to make air travel more sustainable while fundamentally improving the economics of commercial flight and the operational effectiveness of defense logistics.
By combining advanced aerodynamics with innovative design, Natilus aircraft achieve exceptional fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and seamless compatibility with existing airport infrastructure. With hundreds of aircraft valued in the billions of dollars already on order, we are redefining how aircraft are designed, built, and operated, representing a meaningful evolution in modern aviation
Work Summary:
Natilus is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead to join our team in San Diego, CA. In this role, you will lead and contribute to end-to-end systems design and development, including requirements definition, system architecture, and technical integration across aircraft subsystems, including flight control mechanisms, propulsion, avionics, electrical, and fuel systems. This position will play a key role in the design, development, and optimization of systems and components, ensuring functionality, performance, and seamless integration across the aircraft. Additional responsibilities include overseeing trade studies, interface control, compliance, and project scheduling, while providing technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.
Main Responsibilities:
- Applies technical knowledge to the aircraft systems design from concept through first flight
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for the Kona systems design team
- Assign work, set priorities, and mentor engineers to ensure timely, high-quality execution
- Communicate and collaborate closely with the executive team including CEO and Head of Engineering
- Manage engineering deliverables, identify issues, and drive corrective actions as needed
- Lead and contribute to aircraft system design and analysis from concept through production, including propulsion, fuel, electrical, avionics, and flight controls
Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of experience as a systems engineer or in a closely related role
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Strong foundational understanding of aircraft systems
- Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and 25 requirements
- Experience with aircraft systems test planning and execution
- Experience with turboprop powerplant installation design
- Familiarity with composite airframe design and integration
- Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
- Experience with rapid prototype aircraft programs from conceptual and preliminary design through build
Desired Experience:
- Kickoff through production program experience
- Rapid prototype program experience
- Hands-on build experience
Core Behaviors:
- Build trust through ownership, transparency, and follow-through
- Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully across teams
- Lead by example and model expected behaviors
- Ability to give and receive direct, constructive feedback
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving priorities
Travel Requirements:
Occasional travel and on-site work at the local hangar may be required
Compensation:
The expected salary range for this position is $170,000 to $195,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and business needs.
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medica, Dental, Vision)
Retirement Plan – 401k
Unlimited PTO
Onsite Gym Access
Natilus Inc. hires solely based on qualifications, merit and competence. Natilus Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Natilus Inc. does not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Skills Required
- Minimum 10 years of experience as a systems engineer or in a closely related role
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
- Strong foundational understanding of aircraft systems
- Familiarity with FAA Part 23 and Part 25 requirements
- Experience with aircraft systems test planning and execution
- Experience with turboprop powerplant installation design
- Familiarity with composite airframe design and integration
- Proficiency with NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks
- Experience with rapid prototype aircraft programs from conceptual and preliminary design through build
- Kickoff through production program experience
- Rapid prototype program experience
- Hands-on build experience
What We Do
NATILUS is a small and growing team of extremely passionate engineers working on re-thinking the next generation of freight aircraft. We are builders and designers who have worked on 25+ aircraft programs in general aviation, commercial and military aviation. We believe that reducing the cost of air freight by 60% will bring fresher produce into our stores, enable cross-border e-commerce to flourish and enable low infrastructure regions to develop. To make that happen, we need a new type of vehicle and a different way of thinking.
