Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration

As a Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration at Otto Aviation, your main responsibilities will encompass defining and managing propulsion system requirements, overseeing supplier integration, and leading all phases of propulsion system development—from conceptual design to certification. This role also includes conducting trade studies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing mentorship to junior engineers.

To qualify for the Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration role at Otto Aviation, candidates should hold a B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, coupled with 8-12 years of experience in propulsion system design and development. Specific experience with FADEC-controlled turbofan integration and knowledge of FAR Part 23 and Part 25 certification processes are essential.

Teamwork is pivotal in the Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration role at Otto Aviation. Engineers actively engage in cross-functional collaboration to define and validate propulsion interfaces with other systems. As a leader, you will promote a collaborative culture and take on mentorship responsibilities to enhance team cohesion and performance.

For the Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration position at Otto Aviation, strong technical skills in propulsion systems design, program management, and regulatory compliance are crucial. Familiarity with engine performance models, along with proficiency in tools like Dassault 3DX or CATIA V6, will substantially support your success in this role.

The work environment for the Principal Engineer, Propulsion Integration at Otto Aviation is dynamic and collaborative. Being a remote position, you will interact with team members across various locations and disciplines, ensuring effective communication and project management. Expect to handle complex engineering challenges while being immersed in a culture that values innovation and teamwork.

In answering this question, emphasize your specific projects involving turbofan engine integration, particularly any FADEC systems you’ve worked with. Discuss the methodologies you used and the outcomes of your contributions, mentioning any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

When discussing your approach, outline a systematic process that includes gathering stakeholder input, aligning with regulatory requirements, and utilizing data-driven analysis to prioritize the specifications. Show that you understand the importance of balancing performance, safety, and cost.

Share a detailed example of a project where you coordinated between different disciplines. Highlight your strategies for communication, ensuring alignment on goals, and resolving any conflicts, underlining how these actions led to a successful project outcome.

Talk about your mentoring style, emphasizing active listening, providing constructive feedback, and creating an environment where junior engineers feel comfortable asking questions. Give examples of how you've helped others grow in their roles and the positive impacts on team performance.

Detail your familiarity with regulatory requirements and discuss your experience in developing documentation and assessments to ensure compliance. Include examples where you successfully led compliance efforts on previous projects.

Discuss how you integrate creativity into your engineering processes, such as innovative problem-solving techniques or out-of-the-box thinking during the design phase. Illustrate with examples of past projects where creative solutions were instrumental to the success.

Emphasize your communication and negotiation skills when discussing how you've historically managed supplier relationships. Include specific instances where strong collaboration led to enhanced project outcomes or solutions to supplier-related challenges.

Outline a particular challenge—technical or interpersonal—and explain how you analyzed the problem, the actions you took to address it, and the ultimate result of your efforts. Demonstrating resilience through setbacks is key here.

Explain your familiarity with performance analysis tools and how you apply data to assess engine efficiency and performance metrics. Give specifics about methodologies you’ve used and how your analysis has informed project decisions.

Talk about the importance you place on thorough documentation, including your strategies for creating functional hazard assessments, safety analyses, and compliance documentation. Provide examples showcasing the impact of meticulous documentation on project success.