Head of Ground Test

The role

You will lead 12 engineers and technicians to own the test strategy and infrastructure for electric propulsion. You will manage test execution, build test capabilities, and ensure safety for rotating machinery and high-power electrical systems.

What you will do

• Hire, develop, and mentor test engineers and technicians.
• Prioritize people, equipment, and facilities across programs.
• Lead propulsor development and qualification testing.
• Own test planning, readiness reviews, execution, hazard analysis, and reporting.
• Manage test scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Own test capability strategy, capital investment planning, and upgrades.
• Standardize data acquisition, calibration, configuration control, and reporting.
• Drive test automation and data analysis using Python/MATLAB.
• Own test safety for rotating machinery, high-power electrical systems, and hazardous environments.
• Manage vendor relationships, outsourced testing, and department budgets.

Required qualifications

• BS with 12+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant test experience in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
• 5+ years leading and developing test engineers and technicians.
• Deep hands-on experience testing rotating machinery, propulsion, or electromechanical systems.
• Expertise in instrumentation, dynamic data acquisition, and signal analysis (FFT, order tracking, modal analysis).
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB.
• Working knowledge of high-power electrical systems and safety.
• Proven experience building or upgrading test facilities and managing budgets, schedules, and multiple programs.
• Experience developing test plans, procedures, hazard analyses, technical reports, and engineer training.
• Strong technical communication skills with leadership and customers.

Nice to have

• Expert Müller-BBM PAK proficiency, including automation.
• Acoustics, NVH, wind tunnel testing, or advanced instrumentation.
• NASA, DoD, FAA, or government test range experience.
• Qualification testing (DO-160, MIL-STD-810) or ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems.
• Startup experience building test processes and managing large datasets.
• Passion for aviation and innovation.

Benefits

• Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package
• Minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents
• Optional HSA/FSA account offerings
• Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
• Value-based compensation
• End of Year Bonuses for eligible employees
• Beverages and snacks available
• Paid team meals based on office demands
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional Development Stipend

Before you apply

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Visa sponsorship is not provided.

About the company

Whisper Aero is delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. The company was founded by industry veterans Mark Moore and Ian Villa.