Lead Experimental Aerodynamics & Ground Test Center

ePlane Company; Chennai District; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ePlane Company in Chennai, Tamil Nadu seeks a Lead Experimental Aerodynamics & Ground Test Center to guide prototype development and testing for our eVTOL programs. 5–7 years in aerospace experimentation is preferred, including cross-functional leadership in prototype builds and test campaigns.

The role emphasizes aerodynamics, propulsion and safety, with direct oversight of test labs, data analysis, and regulatory alignment (DGCA, FAA, EASA). Collaborative, fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of hands-on experience in experimental or prototype development within aerospace
• Experience managing prototype builds, test campaigns, and cross-functional teams
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight controls, electric propulsion, energy systems, and structural design
• Familiarity with ground and flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
• Understanding of aerospace safety practices and regulatory compliance
• Strong leadership, project management and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of experimental and prototype eVTOL aircrafts through testing and validation
• Supervise prototype assembly, integration, ground, and flight test activities, ensuring safety and performance targets are met
• Develop, implement, and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation for all experimental programs
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary experimental engineering team, including technicians and test engineers
• Oversee experimental facilities, workshops, and test labs—ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
• Coordinate with design, systems, propulsion, and avionics teams to resolve technical issues and optimize designs based on test outcomes
• Lead data analysis, post-test reviews, and reporting, providing actionable insights for design iteration and certification readiness
• Define and manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for all experimental projects
• Collaborate with flight test, certification, and safety teams to align experimental testing with regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous innovation and improvement in experimental processes, tooling, and methodologies

Skills

Team leadership

Aerospace engineering

Experimentation

Data acquisition

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Test instrumentation

Job description

Lead Experimental Aerodynamics & Ground Test Center

• Job Type Full time
• State/Province Tamil Nadu
• Country India

Job Description

The Lead Experimental Department will lead all prototype and experimental development activities for the company’s eVTOL aircraft programs. This includes overseeing the experimental activities, build, integration, and testing of full-scale and subscale prototypes to validate key technologies and ensure readiness for certification and production. The ideal candidate will bring 5 - 7 years of hands-on experience managing experimental builds and test programs within the aerospace domain—preferably in electric, hybrid, or vertical flight systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of experimental and prototype eVTOL aircrafts through testing and validation.
• Supervise prototype assembly, integration, ground, and flight test activities, ensuring safety and performance targets are met.
• Develop, implement, and maintain test plans, procedures, and documentation for all experimental programs.
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary experimental engineering team, including technicians and test engineers.
• Oversee experimental facilities, workshops, and test labs—ensuring compliance with all safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate with design, systems, propulsion, and avionics teams to resolve technical issues and optimize designs based on test outcomes.
• Lead data analysis, post-test reviews, and reporting, providing actionable insights for design iteration and certification readiness.
• Define and manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for all experimental projects.
• Collaborate with flight test, certification, and safety teams to align experimental testing with regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA, DGCA, etc.).
• Drive continuous innovation and improvement in experimental processes, tooling, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7 years of hands-on experience in experimental or prototype development within aerospace, preferably eVTOL, UAV, or advanced air mobility projects.
• Proven experience managing prototype builds, test campaigns, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of aerodynamics, flight controls, electric propulsion, energy systems, and structural design.
• Familiarity with ground and flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test automation.
• Deep understanding of aerospace safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in propulsion systems
• Knowledge of composite structures, avionics integration, and battery systems.
• Exposure to flight test planning, telemetry systems, and certification processes.
• Experience in startup or R&D-focused aerospace environments.

Key Attributes

• Innovative thinker with strong technical depth and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on leader capable of balancing strategic direction with practical execution.
• Safety-first mindset with high attention to detail.
• Passionate about the future of electric and vertical flight technologies.