- Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned with company vision, program objectives, and market needs.
- Lead and mentor large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams across structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, systems, software, and manufacturing engineering.
- Establish engineering governance, processes, and best practices across programs.
- Drive a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design of aircraft and major systems.
- Ensure integration of structures, systems, avionics, propulsion, and software into a certified aircraft configuration.
- Review and approve key technical decisions, trade studies, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
- Ensure effective use of digital engineering tools (MBSE, PLM, CAD/CAE, digital twins).
- Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, DGCA, MIL standards, and other applicable airworthiness regulations.
- Lead certification planning, conformity, ground and flight test activities.
- Serve as the senior engineering interface with regulatory authorities.
- Partner with Program Management to ensure engineering deliverables meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks across development and production programs.
- Support production ramp-up, entry-into-service, and in-service engineering support.
- Drive adoption of advanced materials, automation, AI/ML, electrification, sustainable aviation technologies, and next-generation architectures.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies and supplier innovations.
- Support intellectual property creation and protection.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Flight Test, and Customer Support teams.
- Engage with customers, partners, and suppliers on technical matters.
- Represent the company at industry forums and technical reviews.
Requirements
- Education
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
- Experience
18–25+ years of progressive engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
10+ years in senior engineering leadership roles within an Aircraft OEM or Tier-1 aerospace supplier.
Proven experience leading clean-sheet aircraft or major derivative programs through certification.
Strong background in aircraft systems integration and airworthiness certification.
- Technical Skills
Deep knowledge of aircraft design, development, and certification processes.
Expertise in structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, and safety assessments.
Familiarity with DO-178, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761, and configuration management practices.
- Leadership & Soft Skills
Strong executive leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to balance innovation with regulatory and safety requirements.
Strategic thinker with hands-on technical credibility.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- 18–25+ years of progressive engineering experience in the aerospace industry
- 10+ years in senior engineering leadership roles within an aircraft OEM or Tier-1 aerospace supplier
- Experience leading clean-sheet aircraft or major derivative programs through certification
- Strong background in aircraft systems integration and airworthiness certification
- Deep knowledge of aircraft design, development, and certification processes
- Expertise in structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, and safety assessments
- Familiarity with DO-178, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761, and configuration management practices
- Master's degree or PhD
- Strong executive leadership and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to balance innovation with regulatory and safety requirements
- Strategic thinking with hands-on technical credibility
What We Do
We're developing India’s 1st flying electric taxi for up to 10x faster intra-city commute and cargo transport. Incubated at IIT Madras, Chennai since 2019, The ePlane Company was founded by Professor Satya Chakravarthy with a vision to make flying ubiquitous. As an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) startup, we aim to alleviate on-road traffic congestion in cities worldwide by offering safe, sustainable and affordable flying experiences through our flagship product, The ePlane e200.
