Director, Mechanical and Flight Systems Engineering

Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us? Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system. The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow! Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week. What we do:  At Supernal, we are working on new eVTOL technology to make the world a better place with Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The Director, Mechanical and Flight Systems Engineering (M&FS) is responsible for guiding the development and certification of innovative dynamic systems (rotors, gearboxes), airframe, materials & processes, avionics, actuation, landing gear, cockpit controls, and interiors designs to achieve functional and performance requirements. The department supports the complete life cycle of associated components: requirements, concept development, engineering integration, prelim and final design and analysis, manufacturing start-up, testing, qualification, certification, production and in-service support. The role works with team members across Supernal and externally on cutting edge technologies including rotor design, composite manufacturing, and advanced structural analysis to meet safety, quality, cost, schedule, and people goals. Our ideal candidate has significant experience and expertise in FAA certificated development programs. This role will report to the CTO. What you can do: Program Support Guide development, implementation, and certification of dynamic systems (rotor, gearbox), airframe, flight systems, and interiors components for all Supernal prototype/proof-of-concept and production programs Ensure the structural integrity of the rotors and airframe through appropriate analysis and test Ensure appropriate requirements development and validation and supplier selection and coordination for flight systems including avionics, actuation, inceptors, and landing gear Ensure all U/X and interior design requirements are engineered into the aircraft interior and certifiable Ensure materials and process selection, documentation, qualification, and execution practices meet acceptable standards and provide competitive advantage Plan and assign project responsibilities across the M&FS organization and ensure plans are integrated with other organizations across the company and partners Guide development of program M&FS requirements and supervise validation and verification Develop and manage schedule, budget, work scope, and risk by aligning resources to balance program needs for multiple programs in parallel Collaborate closely with “upstream” (Flight Tech, Product) and “downstream” (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Certification) internal stakeholders and suppliers to execute M&FS program work statement through all phases: requirements & concept development, engineering integration & design, manufacturing, testing, qualification, certification & production Establish and implement M&FS product development workflows and deploy from conceptual design to first article production Maintain effective communication with the leadership team, internal departments, suppliers, and customers concerning technical issues affecting the program Strategy Define strategic direction for M&FS including staffing, make/buy, and technology decisions Guide selection and development of new manufacturing technologies, engineering tools, and aircraft structural designs Collaborate to provide needs for and guide “building block”-based development of next generation materials and manufacturing methods to support very high-rate production vehicles, aligned to the needs of the aircraft and business Ensure that the Technical and Manufacturing Readiness (TRL/MRL) of strategic technologies meet M&FS needs Identify and review opportunities for developing and/or acquiring new technologies required to improve safety, reliability, performance, and cost, including via collaborations with external research organizations as appropriate Establish strategies for testing to define and validate methods, material properties, and simulation techniques Team Development Build high-performing, cohesive teams in Dynamic Systems, Airframe, M&P, Flight Systems, and Interiors Design, Analysis, and Test Provide infrastructure, support and awareness of resources to entire M&FS Team Create and execute strategies for coaching, mentoring, and developing the M&FS Engineering function across Supernal, including training Meet company goals for diversity, equity and inclusion Hire experienced, yet forward-thinking team members Provide subject matter expertise (SME) to M&FS team Functional Excellence Establish culture of quality and safety within M&FS function, including by creating and managing metrics for engineering performance and quality; prioritize Safety Above All Develop and maintain analysis and design criteria, standards, policies and procedures for all Supernal teams doing M&FS engineering, acknowledging and accommodating the different design drivers and certification approaches Implement Supernal Part Classification consistently across teams Collaboration Facilitate collaboration with internal stakeholders at all levels of the