Supernal Engineering Headquarters in Irvine, California
Manager, Structural & Electro-Mechanical Design
Irvine, CA
Rise above. Are you ready to take human possibility to a new dimension with us?
Supernal is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company that’s developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and the ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. By creating a sustainable, integrated, and human-centered ecosystem, we are committed to taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to entering the AAM market with a product that meets the high level of safety and reliability in today’s air transportation system.
The future of mobility starts with people. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play. Join our dynamic team as we strive to be a part of something greater where potential powers tomorrow!
Supernal provides an inviting open-space workplace designed to foster collaboration, which aligns with one of our core values. This position is required to work on-site 5 days a week.
What we do:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Manager of Structural & Electro-Mechanical Design to lead the team responsible for the design, development, testing, and certification of primary and secondary aircraft structures and energy storage systems for our eVTOL aircraft. This includes structures such as the wing, fuselage, empennage, boom/pylon, and energy systems components including battery packs, power distribution units (PDUs), and charging infrastructure.
In this role, you will provide both strategic and technical leadership, guiding your team through complex design decisions and trade studies from concept development through production and into fleet support. You will work closely with cross-functional groups including Structural Analysis, Materials & Processes, Systems Integration, Manufacturing Engineering, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), Systems Engineering, Safety & Quality, Supply Chain, suppliers and Test & Flight Operations.
This position reports to the Head of Mechanical & Structural Engineering and plays a key role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation through innovative structural design.
What you can do:
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing cross-functional structural and electro-mechanical design team
- Assign team members to prototype and product development activities based on program priorities, technical needs, and individual strengths and interests
- Proactively identify and address gaps in design processes, tools, and workflows to ensure the team is equipped for success
- Establish and promote consistent application of engineering principles, design standards, and best practices across multiple programs and vehicle platforms
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture where every member is empowered to contribute and grow
- Lead and participate in technical reviews and training throughout all phases of development—from requirements definition and conceptual design through Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR), prototyping, and production ramp-up
- Champion a design philosophy that balances structural integrity, manufacturability, performance, integration, and materials/process considerations—always placing safety as the highest priority
- Drive the pursuit of innovative technologies, methods, and materials that differentiate products and support team growth and capability advancement
- Maintain a strong focus on delivering high-quality, technically sound designs, while balancing program schedule and budget constraints
- Support employee development and engagement through coaching, performance feedback, and career growth opportunities
- Drive best practices in CAD, GD&T, model-based definition, and design release processes
- Collaborate closely with interfacing teams including Structural Analysis, Materials & Processes, Systems Integration, Manufacturing Engineering, and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
- Oversee the documentation and communication of design decisions and configurations for key milestones (CoDR, PDR, CDR), as well as test and flight readiness reviews (TRR, FRR) and drawing releases
- Contribute effectively towards the certification process of the production vehicle
- May require up to 25% of domestic and international travel to support development, supplier integration, and flight test activities
- Other duties as assigned
What you can contribute:
- Bachelor’s required or Master’s degree preferred in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in the design of aircraft structures and/or electromechanical systems
- A minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in the design and manufacturing of composite components is highly desired
- Proven track record of successfully leading or managing engineering or project teams, including cross-functional and geographically distributed teams
- Proficiency with CAD and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools; experience with Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE is preferred
- Experience with MRB processes, structural testing, flight testing, or evaluation of test data is a plus
- Familiarity with FAA and/or EASA certification processes, particularly related to new aircraft certification, is strongly preferred
- Experience in the eVTOL industry or advanced air mobility sector is a plus
- Strong understanding of aircraft prototyping, development, and production lifecycle
- Advanced proficiency in CAD tools, preferably Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE
- Deep familiarity with structural requirements development, effective load path design, Design for Manufacturing (DfM), aerospace materials and processes, and engineering definition and release standards.
- Experience designing composite and metallic structures, and working knowledge of ESS integration, and structural-electrical interfaces
- Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build consensus, drive alignment, and develop practical, win-win solutions to move programs forward
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of total compensation.
Click HERE or visit: https://jobs.supernal.aero/benefits to view our benefits!
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero
This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).