Lead Technical Program Manager, Engineering
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
The Lead Technical Program Manager (TPM), Engineering is responsible for the management of the program information on behalf of the Air Vehicle Engineering Definition. This role will lead a team of TPMs to coordinate and deliver products on schedule and within budget. The role will work within the Program Management Office (PMO) to enable the integration and development of the Air Vehicle and monitor overall program progress.
What You'll Do
- Serve as an execution leader on behalf of the Engineering organization, establishing clarity, stability, and accountability across product development plans
- Own the orchestration of engineering execution across the full program lifecycle, partnering with TPMs and Engineering work package owners to define, align, and sequence activities from requirements & concept development through design, manufacturing, testing, qualification, certification, and transition to production
- Support supplier strategy and execution
- Partner closely with the Chief Engineer as a thought partner and execution counterpart, jointly managing risks, issues, and opportunities with program metrics and decision-ready visibility
- Define and enforce the PMO execution operating model — goals, deliverables, cadence, tools, and behaviors — ensuring consistency, discipline, and accountability across teams.
- Anticipate resource and execution stress points, proactively identifying gaps across work packages and guiding leadership discussions to resolve them before they impact delivery.
- Lead alignment across a team of Engineering TPMs to synthesize project status, risks, and opportunities into clear narratives that enable decisive action at all levels of management
- Steward the program roadmap, ensuring near-term execution remains aligned with long-term program strategy for Engineering and the business
Who You Are
- Enterprise-Level Thinker: You see beyond individual projects to the system as a whole. You understand how decisions cascade across scope, schedule, budget, and technical outcomes, and you use that perspective to guide tradeoffs, align priorities, and keep the organization focused on what truly matters.
- Owner and Steward: You don’t just manage work or people — you own outcomes. You know the numbers, forecasts, risks, and milestones cold, and you bring calm, confident decision-making to complex situations through preparation, precision, and accountability.
- Execution Leader: You create forward motion. You set expectations, reinforce discipline, and ensure commitments turn into results. When alignment slips or execution slows, you step in decisively to restore clarity and momentum.
- Connector & Translator: You ensure information flows cleanly across teams and levels. You translate complexity into shared understanding, close communication gaps, and help technical and non-technical stakeholders stay aligned without noise or drama.
- Steady under Fire: When conditions change, you provide perspective and stability. You adapt quickly without creating chaos, use data to guide judgment, and translate uncertainty into clear, actionable direction for the team.
Who You Are
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering or other related field
Experience
- A minimum of eight (8) years in technical program/project management role, preferably in the aviation industry
- A minimum of ten (10) years of total experience (an equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered)
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a formal or informal leadership position
- Engineering experience throughout the product lifecycle, including composite materials and systems development and certification
- Project management experience in complex aircraft structures development through design, testing, build, and qualification phases
- Experience with MS Project, Primavera/P6, Jama, Jira and/or other project management tools
Required Skills
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing standard processes
- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Ability to work cross‐functionally, build relationships, and manage conflict
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proactive delivery of communication and follow up
- Ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
- Demonstrated agility and autonomous decision-making within ambiguous situations
- Experience with Dassault 3DX is preferred
Where You'll Be
Otto Aerospace is currently a remote workplace. We will relocate to our permanent headquarters in Jacksonville, FL beginning in 2026. This role is expected to relocate at that time. This role will be required to travel 25% to meet at our temporary facility in Fort Worth, TX (prior to relocation) or other locations in support of program activities.
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, 13 paid company 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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