Engineering Director

Our Company 

Our mission at DRONAMICS is to democratize airfreight and lower the cost of shipping in emerging markets. To achieve this, we developed a new type of cargo airplane, one that is small, remotely-piloted and extremely fuel efficient.

At first, it didn't sound possible, but we keep proving it is, which is why we've called it “The Black Swan”. It can land on short and unpaved runways, enabling on-demand point-to-point flights and speedy same-day delivery even to the most remote locations that would otherwise take days to reach over ground or sea.

With the successful first flight of our full-scale Black Swan cargo drone, we have achieved a significant milestone. This innovative aircraft can transport up to 350 KG over distances of 2,500 KM, all at a cost that is at least 50% lower than traditional airplanes. It operates autonomously, enabling remote monitoring and management through satellite connectivity.

Our initial focus is on establishing domestic air networks in Europe, Australia, and Canada, leveraging underutilized small airfields. We train local personnel as drone and logistics operators while fostering partnerships with local industries. This collaboration allows us to provide vital support by facilitating the swift movement of goods to and from small, remote, mountainous, and island communities within mere hours, often at a cost lower than that of road transportation. At the core of our vision is the belief that same-day shipping should be a universal right.

Our ultimate goal is to empower every individual on the planet with affordable same-day deliveries. Join us in shaping a future where logistics know no boundaries, and cost-effective shipping is accessible to everyone, everywhere.

The Role

Working as part of the R&D team, and reporting to the Head of Design, the Engineering Director will be responsible for all aspects of the engineering team including:

• Perform all activities at a level of minimal supervision for the whole function and guide other engineers.

• Work with the team leads and projects team to ensure Program targets are achieved

• All aspects of Day to day management of the team

• Provide technical expertise/input and validation to technical solutions and compliance documentation to multiple projects to ensure they are compliant with all relevant regulatory and airworthiness requirements.

• Identify, analyse, and resolve technical problems and provide support in applying/integrating/approving solutions.

• Check/Approve Preliminary Means of Compliance to the defined engineering requirements

• Identify and maintain a technical risk register and propose mitigations relevant to multiple assigned program/projects.

• Check/approve test specifications/plans and/or alternate means of compliance (analysis/similarity) as required to demonstrate design solution complies with certification requirements.

• Define and monitor the best approach to design in compliance to the cost and manufacturing requirements using appropriate techniques for design such as Design for Manufacture (DFM) and design to cost.

• Define the best approach to achieve design definitions of programs, including integration, interfaces, dimensions, materials, parts, manufacturing process requirements, assemblies, and tolerances which are compliant to all design requirements and objectives.

• Review and approve as appropriate the assigned project deliverables, documents, and reports as required.

• Mentor and development of engineers within assigned program.

• Support with the creation and delivery of training material and initiatives relevant to a knowledge area.

• Verify documentation such as concessions and non-conformances, and provide technical support by implementing solutions to address non-conforming products, designs, and compliance documentation.

• Identify improvements and check and/or approve work instructions, procedures, technical manuals, and guidelines.

• Support operations and support manufacturing engineering team in translation of the product design and manufacturing requirements in a manufacturing design of (multiple) programs and support operations during prototype build and serial manufacturing, where applicable.

• Support the qualification process of products within multiple programs, and check and/or approve compliance documentation to internal, customer, and regulatory requirements, where applicable.

The minimum requirements to be eligible for the Engineering Director include;

• Knowledge of the relevant Certification Specification requirements;

• 10 years of professional experience leading development of composite aircraft aero structures and/or aerospace systems.

• Minimum of 3 years in the role of director and/or suitable level of technical competency

• Experience in leading aircraft development programs

• Able to implement changes within the engineering business area.

• Has held technical responsibility within project teams (delivery through people without direct authority).

• The ability to act as a functional/ technical/ integration representative in communications with regulators, sub-tier suppliers (structure, systems) and suppliers (parts, materials, sub-assemblies) in multiple projects

• Experience in the use of Catia and the PLM modules of the 3DX tool

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education

Specifically the following internal training courses should be completed;

• EASA Part 21 Basics

• Design Organisation Handbook

• Introduction to EASA Part 21

• Relevant CS training (TBD)