What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Technician, Materials - Processes - Structural Test position at ottoaviation?
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 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
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
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
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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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