Senior Actuation Engineer

REGENT Craft Inc.; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity incentive plan

Health insurance 100% covered

401(k) with company match

Flexible time off and parental leave

Relocation packages

Free catered lunches

Professional development

Job summary

REGENT is seeking a Senior Actuation Engineer to own the actuation system architecture and qualification for our Seaglider program. You’ll drive trade studies, develop simulations, and collaborate with loads, manufacturing, controls, and certification teams to deliver flight-capable actuation on schedule.

You will shape the design from concept through qualification, manage suppliers, and help build a scalable actuation foundation across programs, while maintaining rigorous engineering standards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in actuation system development from concept to qualification/certification.
• Strong background in electromechanical flight-critical actuation.
• Experience delivering actuation trade studies for major milestones.
• Familiar with vendor management and supplier interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Own the actuation system architecture, requirements, performance and qualification.
• Deliver high-impact actuation trade studies supporting major milestones.
• Develop and maintain simulation models and documentation for decision making.
• Collaborate with loads, manufacturing, controls, GNC, integration and certification teams.
• Improve team execution by refining procedures and best practices to reduce bottlenecks.
• Certify the world’s first all-electric Seaglider actuation control system.

Skills

Actuation system

Electromechanical actuation

Trade studies

Simulation models

Supplier management

Control theory

V lifecycle

Communication skills

Job description

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before.

Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen.

Role Overview

As a Senior Actuation Engineer, you’ll own the Aerodynamic and Hydrodynamic surface actuation controls that help REGENT deliver flight-capable Seaglider hardware safely and on schedule. You’ll drive sizing, performance, requirements, and trade studies across key load cases, support certification-focused analysis and documentation, and help architecture a scalable actuation foundation as we evolve from prototype to product across multiple programs.

You’ll be joining a group of driven, collaborative, and talented engineers who take pride in solving complex technical challenges and making an impact as a team. We hold a high bar for engineering rigor, move quickly, think boldly, and rely on our teamwork to push boundaries and bring entirely new technology into the world.

If you’re energized by working at the intersection of cutting-edge innovation, real-world impact, and hands‑on engineering, you’ll be in the right place - and we’d be thrilled to have you on the team!

What You'll Do

• Own the actuation system architecture, requirements, performance and qualification.
• Deliver high-impact actuation trade studies supporting major milestones.
• Develop and maintain simulation models, assumptions, and documentation that enable repeatable, reviewable engineering decisions.
• Collaborate closely with loads, manufacturing, controls, GNC, integration and certification stakeholders to ensure as-built performance align with requirements, producibility, and verification needs.
• Contribute to improving team execution by helping refine procedures, templates, and best practices that reduce analysis bottlenecks.
• Certify the world’s first all electric Seaglider actuation control system!

What You'll Bring

• Experienced actuation engineer with significant focus in electromechanical flight-critical actuation.
• Experience leading actuation system development from concept to qualification/certification.
• Experience technically managing suppliers of actuation related materials.
• Working knowledge of critical actuation technical challenges such as bandwidth, duty cycle, fatigue, stability, power and environmental including sea-based requirements.
• Solid fundamentals in control theory, kinematics and mechanism integration.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the engineering life cycle (“V”) for actuation from concept to qualification.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, plus a collaborative, low-ego approach in fast-moving, interdisciplinary teams.

Who We're Looking For

• Collaborative Team Player: You believe that great things happen when teams work together. You communicate effectively and collaborate with engineers, stakeholders, and other cross‑functional teams to align on goals and move projects forward. You bring people together, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and moving towards a shared vision.
• Creative Problem Solver: You thrive on tackling complex challenges and finding innovative solutions, bringing a practical, inventive mindset to every problem. You don't just patch issues - you improve processes, anticipate downstream impacts, and help turn one‑off fixes into scalable solutions that raise the bar for future builds.
• Adaptable & Agile: In a fast‑paced, ever‑evolving startup environment, you quickly adapt to changing priorities and requirements. You approach challenges with a calm, resilient mindset, and know how to pivot and adjust your approach as needed, ensuring that progress continues without missing a beat.
• Innovative Mindset: You’re driven by curiosity and a passion for technology. You’re passionate about driving continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and team performance.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan.
• health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 100% of your premiums.
• 401(k) with company matching, so you can plan for the future.
• Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks.
• Relocation packages available for those moving to join our team.
• Daily, free catered lunches
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.