Manager – Airworthiness
About Otto Aviation
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 Aviation is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director–Test & Certification, the Manager–Airworthiness is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of certification and continued airworthiness processes. This role ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements by guiding compliance efforts, interfacing with regulatory authorities, overseeing certification staff, and supporting the definition of long-term technical roadmaps. The Manager–Airworthiness will provide mentorship to certification engineers and collaborate across internal and external engineering, manufacturing, quality, and certification functions to deliver safe, efficient, and certifiable solutions.
What You’ll Do
- Set strategic direction for certification processes, implement continuous improvement programs, and foster an organizational culture of airworthiness compliance
- Oversee initial airworthiness certification and continuing airworthiness for Otto products
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of Airworthiness engineers and specialists through all type certification milestones
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Design Engineering, Flight Test Engineering, and Quality, to define certification requirements for aircraft materials, structures, and systems
- Serve as primary liaison with aviation authorities and lead compliance submittal efforts, ensuring timely delivery of documentation and approvals in support of certification milestones
- Provide oversight and technical guidance in product design reviews, conformity inspections, non-compliance resolution, issue papers, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
- Manage Airworthiness team member performance, training, and development
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship across the organization
- Oversee technical resource forecasting and budget to align with program objectives and organizational growth
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to process efficiency, safety, and data quality
Who You Are
Education
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Experience
- 15+ years progressive, relevant experience in aircraft certification and continued airworthiness, including 5+ years in a leadership capacity
- Deep understanding of airworthiness principles, aircraft systems, and the regulatory frameworks governing them
- Working knowledge of FAA certification standards (14 CFR Part 23/25/27/29)
- Proven track record with FAA type certification, including regulator interface, FAA conformity, compliance documentation, and issue resolution
- Familiarity with international Civil Aviation Authority validation procedures (EASA, TCCA, ANAC, etc.)
- Ability to analyze complex technical and procedural issues and develop proactive, innovative solutions
- Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail
- Strong project and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset
Required Skills
- Active Listening: Strive to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders
- Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed, value-based decisions
- Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers
- Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points to formulate the best solution
- Self-Motivation: Demonstrate the highest level of commitment and drive to see projects through
- Teamwork and Team Building: Contribute to a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills work together effectively and hold themselves accountable to shared goals
- Strong Business Communication: Use professional language and tone in all forms of communication
Where You’ll Be
This role will be remote until mid-2026, at which time it will transition to fully onsite in Jacksonville, FL.
Benefits
Otto Aviation 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 Aviation 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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