Principal Aerospace Engineer

Enigma Aerospace; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous healthcare options

401k plan with company match

Unlimited PTO

Flexible work-from-home policies

Equity compensation

Free parking on-site

Job summary

Enigma Aerospace in Emeryville is seeking a Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead design and integration of advanced autonomous aircraft systems. This critical position requires over 10 years of experience in aerospace and proven leadership in aircraft design. You will collaborate with a high-performing team and manage vendor relationships to ensure successful delivery of complex projects.

The ideal candidate will possess an MS degree and exhibit strong skills in systems architecture, along with a deep understanding of UAS technology.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace and/or defense industry.
• Experience in leading aircraft design from requirements to manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of UAS sub-systems from avionics to structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the aircraft and systems design from development through delivery.
• Develop and validate simulation models for aircraft dynamics.
• Forge and manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Leadership in aerospace projects

Systems architecture

Aerospace design

Communication skills

Technical expertise in UAS

Education

MS or higher degree in relevant engineering field

Job description

Enigma Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced Principal Aerospace Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of our large, next-generation autonomous aircraft system. This is a unique opportunity to join the founding team of a venture-backed aerospace company at the ground level. We’re looking for a hands‑on technical leader with a passion for aviation and a track record of delivering complex aerospace technologies. In this role, you will have primary responsibility for the aircraft design, systems architecture, significantly contribute to the development and integration efforts, establish and manage vendor relationships, and help grow a high‑performing technical team. Success in this role requires deep experience in system architecture, cross‑functional design and development, systems integration, test, and operational readiness of large autonomous aircraft platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the aircraft and systems design from initial development through build, test, and delivery to the manufacturing team
• Define and track key system‑level design parameters throughout the design
• Develop and validate simulation models for fixed‑wing aircraft dynamics, integrating aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and environmental factors
• Architect, model, simulate, and implement structural, avionics, propulsion, and flight controls systems to meet aircraft performance and stability
• Lead detailed structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis of critical airframe components to ensure durability, reliability, and compliance
• Forge and manage strong vendor relationships
• Ensure all sub‑systems work harmoniously together by defining, developing, and testing robust interfaces
• Embody a proactive and optimistic approach, bringing a can‑do attitude to the workplace every day, fostering a positive and dynamic work environment
• Travel up to 30% of the time, including domestic and international

Desired Qualifications

• MS or higher degree in a relevant engineering field
• 10+ years of technical experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with experience working on large (>500 lbs. MTOW) fixed‑wing unmanned and/or autonomous aircraft systems
• Proven experience leading an aircraft design from requirements through prototyping to manufacturing
• Deep and broad knowledge of UAS sub‑systems from avionics to structures, mission software, and systems integration
• Experience with government programs or development of DoD technology
• Experience in the development and delivery to a schedule of a complex hardware and software system
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate problems and solutions to both technical and non‑technical individuals
• Excels at collaborating in a fast‑paced startup environment with changing priorities, technical requirements, and a growing team
• Must be eligible to work in the US

Great To Have Qualifications And Skills

• Experience successfully delivering large, fixed‑wing UAS or autonomous aircraft(s) in a similar function
• Strong ability to quickly perform trade studies along design, components, systems, vendor dimensions and present to leadership
• Experience with lab and flight testing of aircraft and/or major subsystems
• Broad understanding across major aircraft systems (aerodynamics, flight controls, structures, avionics, propulsion including IC engines, mission software, etc.) with meaningful depth in at least one
• Experience with systems engineering, requirements management, CAD, software engineering, and program management tools
• You are an empathetic team‑player, who is an excellent listener and can persuasively communicate their ideas and plans to parties of all backgrounds
• You are an ambitious and self‑motivated individual who eagerly approaches ambiguity and is committed to delivering a high‑quality work product
• You are highly detail‑oriented with a track record of sound judgement
• You are an avid aviation enthusiast, private pilot, and have flight experience
• You have military experience and hold a security clearance

Benefits, Equity, & Work Location

Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work‑from‑home policies, stock options, free parking on‑site, and a well‑stocked snacks and coffee environment. This position is eligible for equity compensation. Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on‑site with an expectation that commuting to our test sites will be required often.

About Enigma Aerospace

Enigma Aerospace is building the next‑generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed‑wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway‑independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery. Our technologies deliver charter‑level performance at freight prices, redefining what’s possible in the $150B air cargo market. Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture‑backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.