Lead Technician, Materials - Processes - Structural Test

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About Otto Aerospace

Otto Aerospace 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

Reporting to the Manager – Materials, Processes, and Structural Test, the Lead Technician – Materials, Processes, and Structural Test supports the execution of structural and materials testing in a dynamic and collaborative aerospace lab environment. This role is responsible for hands-on test setup, instrumentation, and data collection/reduction activities. The Lead Technician will manufacture and inspect composite test articles and build structural test equipment and setups.

As the technical lead for day-to-day lab operations, this role mentors junior technicians and ensures that all test activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Manufacture and inspect composite test articles in accordance with engineering drawings, process specifications, and quality standards
• Assemble structural equipment and test setups, including fixturing, load paths, and support structures for static and fatigue testing
• Set up and execute structural and materials tests, including static, fatigue, and environmental per test plans and procedures
• Install and verify instrumentation such as strain gauges, thermocouples, and displacement sensors
• Operate test equipment including hydraulic actuators, load frames, data acquisition systems, and environmental chambers
• Perform real-time monitoring and post-test data reduction to deliver clean, traceable datasets to engineering teams
• Support FAA conformity inspections and maintain documentation for test article traceability
• Lead daily lab operations, including equipment readiness, calibration checks, and safety compliance
• Mentor and train junior technicians in test procedures, instrumentation techniques, and lab best practices
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot test setups and ensure test objectives are met
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and inventory of tools, fixtures, and consumables
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to test efficiency, safety, and data quality

Who You Are

Education

• Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience

• 5+ years’ experience in an aerospace-related structural or materials test lab
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test plans, and technical procedures
• Proficiency in installing and troubleshooting test instrumentation (including bonded skin gages) and data acquisition systems
• Demonstrated experience in composite specimen fabrication, layup, curing, and inspection
• Strong mechanical aptitude, as well as experience with fixturing and test rig assembly
• Experience with hydraulic systems preferred
• Familiarity with FAA conformity processes and aerospace test documentation practices
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and leadership skills with a collaborative mindset
• Continuous learning mindset

• 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…