Senior Structural Test Engineer

What is JetZero? Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall. JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel. The JetZero Team We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon-free flight that' is better for both passengers and airlines around the world. What You’ll Do • Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of engineering development testing, manufacturing development articles, and certification tests for the North Carolina Composites Center (NC3) laboratory. • Develop, review, and approve test plans, procedures, verification matrices, and configuration baselines. • Define test objectives, success criteria, and sequencing aligned with mission requirements and airframe architecture. • Lead coordination across engineering disciplines on detailed definition of laboratory requirements & architecture, to ensure laboratories meet near-term and long-term objectives. • Support supply chain in supply engagement for acquisition of capital assets for the laboratories. • Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness, interface compatibility, and controlled configuration changes. • Lead real-time test execution, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination with engineering and operations teams. • Perform and oversee post-test data analysis, discrepancy resolution, and formal test reporting. • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth and disciplined engineering practices. • Drive continuous improvement of test processes, documentation, and lab infrastructure. • Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer engagements. • Contribute to accreditation, certification, or compliance activities as required. What You Bring • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical field. • 15+ years of experience in test engineering, materials & processes engineering, or composites research & development. • Strong understanding of building block certification campaign requirements. • Strong understanding of composites manufacturing development, and importance of design for manufacturing standards. • Demonstrated experience authoring test plans, procedures, and formal test documentation. • Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, automation, and troubleshooting complex systems. • Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage lab environments. • Excellent technical judgment, communication skills, and decision-making in dynamic test environments. Preferred Skills & Qualifications • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline. • Prior leadership of test labs or composite airframe development facilities. Compensation: Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $160,000-180,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise. Benefits • Generous PTO • 12 paid holidays • 401(k) • Medical, Dental, Vision • Disability Insurance • Life Insurance • Equity tax advisory services • Supportive work culture The Interview Process We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative. Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way. • Our First Chat: During this first conversation, you’ll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are. • The Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with your potential future boss to really dive into the role, the team, expectations, and what success means at JetZero. This is your chance to really nerd out with someone in your field. • The Panel: Learn more about the team, responsibilities, and workflows. You should be prepared to speak about past projects, how you collaborate and communicate with others, and how you live our values. Depending on the team and role you are interviewing for, you may meet with several teammates as well as cross-functional partners. • The Executive Review: A chance to meet an executive and view JetZero from a different lens. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, culture, and more. Depending on the position you are interviewing for, there may also be a Take Home Exercise as part of the interview proccess. Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job. Your recruiter will inform you of which assessment you will be assigned and ensure you are fully prepared for your big day. JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.