Manager, Fuselage Manufacturing

About Otto Aerospace
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 Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

About the Role
The Manufacturing Engineer Lead – Fuselage will oversee the design, development, and implementation of fuselage manufacturing processes for Otto Aviation’s innovative aircraft program. This role will lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring production readiness, manufacturability, and continuous improvement of fuselage assembly and integration. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in aircraft structures, composite and metallic fuselage systems, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and optimization of fuselage assembly processes, tooling, and workflows from prototype through production.
• Partner with design engineering to ensure fuselage structures are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet performance requirements.
• Oversee the creation of work instructions, process documentation, and quality standards for fuselage manufacturing.
• Drive production readiness, including first article build, tooling buy-off, and process validation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the fuselage manufacturing engineering team.
• Collaborate with supply chain, quality, and production teams to ensure timely delivery and integration of fuselage components.
• Identify opportunities for automation, lean practices, and continuous improvement to increase efficiency and reduce cost.
• Act as a subject matter expert in fuselage materials, bonding, fastening, and assembly processes.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for fuselage-related manufacturing issues.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and airworthiness requirements throughout the manufacturing process.

Who You Are

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• 8+ years of aerospace manufacturing engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Strong expertise in fuselage structures, including composites, metallics, and hybrid assemblies.
• Proven track record developing and implementing manufacturing processes for fuselage assembly.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software (CATIA, NX, or equivalent) and PLM/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA, AS9100).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment.

Where You’ll Be

** This role is remote with travel to our corporate headquarters in Ft Worth, TX, then will be onsite at our new headquarters in Jacksonville, FL in 1-3 years

BenefitsOtto Aerospace 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, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some roles qualify for potential bonuses and stock options.

Otto Aerospace 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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