Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Manager, Mechanical Actuator Development (Aerospace): Leading the design, integration, and validation of high-performance electromechanical actuators for flight-critical eVTOL applications with an accent on system architecture, dynamic modeling, and performance analysis. Focus on driving concepts from requirements definition through flight-ready hardware and ensuring aerospace qualification compliance.

Location: San Jose, California, United States. Unable to provide work visa sponsorship.

Salary: $172,000 - $230,000

Company

Aerospace company building all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead a team of engineers to develop flight-critical electromechanical actuation systems from concept to production.
• Own mechanical design and integration of motors, geartrains, rolling-element screws, bearings, and housings.
• Perform trade studies to optimize system architecture and mass while meeting fault-tolerance requirements.
• Create CAD models, engineering specifications, and system-level models to validate performance.
• Collaborate with GNC, power systems, and software teams to deliver an optimized integrated aircraft system.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage technical performance of external partners and suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in actuated mechanism or electromechanical system design.
• Proficiency in Siemens NX CAD and Simcenter or ANSYS FEA tools.
• Expertise in GD&T, kinematic analysis, and structural analysis (static, modal, buckling, fatigue).
• Knowledge of design for 14 CFR Part 23 systems compliance.
• Must be authorized to work in the US; the company is unable to provide work visa sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and/or LabVIEW.
• Experience with RTCA DO-160 and actuator mechanism testing.
• Familiarity with PDM systems and requirements management tools.
• Hands-on experience in a machine shop or mechanical assembly.
• Interest in aviation, such as a pilot license or training.

Culture & Benefits

• Pay-for-performance culture that rewards contributions to company strategy.
• Dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment.
• Mission-driven work focused on sustainable air mobility and noise reduction.