Manager, Rapid Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, Rapid Prototyping

Company: Otto Aerospace

Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a high-performing team of rapid prototyping engineers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.

• Develop and optimize comprehensive workflow processes for the creation of mockups, prototypes, and test articles, ensuring alignment with engineering and business objectives.

• Oversee the end-to-end design, fabrication, and assembly of low-to-high fidelity aerospace prototypes, mockups, and test rigs, both in-house and through external suppliers.

• Drive material selection, component sourcing, and fabrication method choices to meet stringent performance, cost, and build speed requirements for cutting-edge aerospace projects.

• Serve as a key functional team member within Otto's Aircraft Integration Team, contributing hands-on expertise and strategic insights to the development of world-leading aircraft.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within an engineering and manufacturing operations context, focusing on the practical, hands-on creation of physical prototypes and test articles. The "Manager" title implies leadership over a small team, emphasizing project management, resource allocation, and team development within a fast-paced, innovative aerospace environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage a small team of rapid prototyping engineers, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance management to ensure project success and professional growth.

• Design, fabricate, and assemble low-to-high fidelity aerospace prototypes, mockups, and test rigs, utilizing a variety of materials including 3D-printed components, wood, metal, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

• Develop and refine workflow processes for mockups and test articles, ensuring efficient and effective execution from concept to completion for diverse requests.

• Select appropriate materials, components, and fabrication methods that align with performance specifications, cost targets, and rapid build timelines.

• Translate concepts, ideas, and sketches into functional hardware and test rigs, demonstrating strong problem-solving and engineering design capabilities.

• Support the design and fabrication of components and assemblies by external suppliers, including on-site build support as needed.

• Document build processes, test results, and design iterations meticulously to support ongoing engineering efforts and critical certification processes.

• Manage project costs, schedules, and resources effectively for each prototyping build, ensuring projects stay within budget and on time.

• Order, purchase, and retrieve necessary components and supplies, maintaining an organized inventory and efficient procurement process.

• Collaborate closely with various engineering teams to ensure prototypes meet all specified performance and integration requirements.

• Participate in trade studies to provide data-driven insights that influence key aircraft design and development decisions.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment within the prototyping facility, adhering to all relevant safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct technical execution ("Hands on fabrication, build, and assembly") and project/team management. The emphasis on documentation, cost, and schedule management indicates a need for strong operational discipline within a dynamic R&D setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in rapid prototyping, with a strong preference for experience within the aerospace industry. Experience managing a small, diverse team is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in CATIA V5/V6/3DX (3DX preferred) for design and modeling.

• Hands-on experience with a wide range of shop tools and equipment, including drills, saws, lathes, mills, welders, and routers.

• Strong understanding of materials such as plastics, woods, metals, and composites, including their properties, applications, and associated manufacturing techniques.

• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, and avionics, with an understanding of key interfaces relevant to Part 23/25 aircraft.

• Deep familiarity with industry standards and best practices in aerospace prototyping.

• Basic understanding of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) processes.

• Familiarity with RTCA DO-160G, DO-254, and SAE ARP4754A standards.

• Knowledge of FAR Part 23 and Part 25 requirements.

• Excellent active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational abilities with a focus on managing agendas, schedules, and progress.

• High level of self-motivation and commitment to project completion.

• Proven teamwork and team-building capabilities, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Strong business communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information effectively across various channels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with electromechanical integration and testing.

• Basic understanding of Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) wiring.

• Experience with or understanding of logistics and shipping processes for prototypes and components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 8+ years, combined with a B.S. degree, places this role at a senior individual contributor or junior management level, aligning with the "10+" AI-derived experience level. The required skills are a mix of technical engineering competencies, hands-on fabrication abilities, and essential soft skills for managing projects and teams in a demanding industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful rapid prototyping projects, showcasing end-to-end process from concept to functional hardware.

• Case studies highlighting material selection rationale, fabrication methods employed, and performance outcomes achieved.

• Examples of workflow development and optimization for prototyping tasks, illustrating efficiency gains.

• Documentation samples showcasing how designs, build processes, and test results were recorded to support engineering and certification.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization for mockups, prototypes, and test articles, detailing stages from request to delivery.

• Implementation and automation methods used in fabrication and assembly, including the effective use of shop tools and 3D printing.

• Measurement and performance analysis of prototypes, detailing how results were captured and communicated to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on rapid prototyping, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just show finished products but the process of creation, problem-solving during fabrication, and how documentation supported broader engineering goals. This section emphasizes showcasing the applicant's ability to manage the entire prototyping lifecycle efficiently and document it effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (10+ years), location (Fort Worth, TX), and the specialized nature of aerospace rapid prototyping management, a competitive salary range is estimated between $130,000 and $180,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries.

• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) opportunities.

• Paid short-term disability.

• Voluntary long-term disability.

• Additional term life insurance.

• 15 paid days off (PTO).

• 13 paid company holidays.

• Paid sick leave.

• Potential for bonuses and stock options, depending on seniority and role.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the understanding that project demands may require occasional overtime to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for engineering management roles in the aerospace sector in a major Texas city, considering the 8+ years of required experience and the specific skills in rapid prototyping and team leadership. The benefits package is typical for a growing aerospace company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing and Technology. Otto Aerospace is at the forefront of developing sustainable, next-generation business jets, utilizing advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and composite materials. This focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology defines its operational ethos.

Company Size: The company is likely in a growth phase, indicated by its development of a new business jet and relocation plans. This suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for significant impact, potentially ranging from 50-250 employees, though it's rapidly expanding.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company is developing a "world's first" product, indicating a relatively new or rapidly evolving organization focused on disrupting the traditional aerospace market.

Team Structure:

• The Rapid Prototyping team is described as "small and dynamic," likely consisting of a manager and a few engineers or technicians.

• This team operates within the broader "Aircraft Integration Team," suggesting close collaboration with other engineering disciplines involved in bringing aircraft systems together.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on physics-first principles and engineering validation through prototypes and test articles.

• Agile & Iterative Development: The "rapid prototyping" nature implies a fast-paced, iterative approach to design and testing.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close work with design engineers, systems engineers, and potentially manufacturing and certification specialists is essential.

Company Website: ottoaerospace.com (Assuming this is the correct URL based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on disruptive technology and sustainability implies a culture that values innovation, engineering rigor, and a proactive, "get-things-done" attitude. The "rapid prototyping" aspect points to a need for agility and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Manager, Rapid Prototyping" role represents a mid-to-senior level position within an engineering operations or manufacturing support function. It combines direct technical expertise with people management and project oversight, serving as a critical bridge between design concepts and functional hardware.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a higher-level engineering management position (e.g., Director of Aircraft Integration or VP of Engineering). The manager, in turn, leads a small team of prototyping engineers and technicians. This structure emphasizes both upward communication of project status and downward delegation of tasks.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Otto Aerospace's ability to innovate and validate its designs. By rapidly producing functional prototypes, the team enables faster design iterations, critical testing, and ultimately, accelerates the timeline for bringing their revolutionary aircraft to market. The quality and speed of prototyping directly influence engineering decisions and the overall product development lifecycle.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to grow into a larger team management role, overseeing broader prototyping or advanced manufacturing operations as the company scales.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced materials, composite fabrication, or specific aerospace system integration through hands-on project work.

• Technical Acumen: Develop a comprehensive understanding of aircraft systems and certification processes by working closely with cross-functional engineering teams.

• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the strategic planning of prototyping capabilities and infrastructure expansion as the company matures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned for individuals who excel at both technical execution and leading small teams. Growth paths likely involve expanding team scope, taking on more complex projects, or moving into broader manufacturing/operations leadership roles within the rapidly growing company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is explicitly stated as "On-site" and will involve working in a facility that is transitioning from a temporary headquarters in Fort Worth, TX, to a new location in Jacksonville, FL. This suggests a modern, purpose-built facility or a significant upgrade to accommodate advanced manufacturing and prototyping operations.

Office Location(s): Initially Fort Worth, TX, with a planned relocation to Jacksonville, FL. Candidates must be willing to transition to the Jacksonville location upon facility readiness.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-On Environment: The role requires significant time spent in a workshop or lab setting, working with various tools, machinery, and materials.

• Collaborative Hub: The prototyping facility will likely be a hub for collaboration, with engineers and technicians working closely together to solve immediate build challenges.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to advanced fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, composite layup areas, and testing rigs, will be critical. CAD software (CATIA) will be essential for design and preparation.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard business hours. However, given the "rapid prototyping" nature of the work and the "get things done" culture, flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, potentially involving occasional overtime or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual-location aspect is a key consideration. Candidates must be prepared for a relocation and understand that the initial phase will be in Fort Worth, followed by a move to Jacksonville. The workspace will be highly functional and hands-on.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials, focusing on relevant experience in aerospace rapid prototyping, team management, and technical skills.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and senior engineers to assess technical depth in materials, fabrication processes, CAD software, and aerospace systems knowledge. Expect questions about past project challenges and solutions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of a portfolio showcasing relevant rapid prototyping projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving abilities, material choices, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and leadership to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Otto Aerospace's innovative and fast-paced culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the methods used (design, fabrication, assembly), challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate efficiency gains, cost savings, or improvements in prototype performance.

• Highlight Material & Method Expertise: Be ready to discuss why specific materials and fabrication techniques were chosen for each project.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you managed team members, delegated tasks, and fostered a collaborative environment.

• Tailor to Otto Aerospace: Understand their focus on sustainability, advanced composites, and super-laminar aerodynamics, and highlight projects that align with these themes if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for practical problem-solving scenarios related to fabrication, assembly, or material selection.

• Anticipate questions about managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, and limited resources.

• Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a non-expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that not only show successful outcomes but also the iterative process, problem-solving, and team dynamics involved in rapid prototyping.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: CATIA V5/V6/3DX (3DX highly preferred) for design, modeling, and potentially CAM preparation.

• 3D Printing Technologies: Experience with various 3D printing methods and materials relevant to aerospace prototyping (e.g., FDM, SLA, SLS for polymers, and potentially metal printing).

• Shop Tools & Equipment: Proficiency with drills, saws, lathes, mills, welders, routers, composite layup tools, and other common fabrication equipment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Documentation Software: Tools for creating build reports, test result summaries, and design iteration logs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, specialized engineering documentation platforms).

• Project Management Software: Potentially used for tracking schedules, resources, and task progress (e.g., Asana, Jira, Monday.com, or similar).

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Basic understanding of PLM processes is required, suggesting familiarity with systems like Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA, or similar, for managing product data and revisions.

• ERP/Procurement Systems: Familiarity with systems for ordering components and managing supplies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The key technology is CATIA, specifically 3DX. The role heavily relies on hands-on fabrication tools and an understanding of various prototyping materials and methods, including advanced manufacturing like 3D printing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & First Principles: A commitment to developing groundbreaking technology from fundamental physics, encouraging creative problem-solving and novel approaches.

• Efficiency & Speed: The "rapid prototyping" nature demands a focus on getting things done quickly and effectively, minimizing lead times.

• Precision & Quality: Despite the speed, there's an inherent need for accuracy and adherence to engineering specifications and industry standards, especially given the aerospace context.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together to achieve shared goals, with active listening and mutual support being key.

• Safety & Responsibility: Maintaining a safe working environment and being accountable for the quality and integrity of fabricated components.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Prototyping engineers must work seamlessly with design engineers, systems specialists, and potentially certification teams to ensure prototypes meet evolving requirements.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages sharing ideas, challenges, and feedback openly to accelerate problem-solving and learning.

• Mutual Accountability: Team members are expected to be reliable, committed, and accountable to each other and to project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of cutting-edge innovation and disciplined execution. This role requires someone who can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where technical rigor meets a proactive, "can-do" attitude.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Dual Location Transition: Managing a team and operations through a significant geographical relocation from Fort Worth, TX, to Jacksonville, FL.

• Rapid Scaling: As Otto Aerospace grows, the demands on the prototyping team will likely increase, requiring scalable processes and team expansion.

• Balancing Speed and Precision: The core challenge of rapid prototyping is delivering quickly without compromising the accuracy and quality required for aerospace applications.

• Material & Process Innovation: Staying abreast of new materials and fabrication techniques to continuously improve prototyping capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Materials & Manufacturing: Gaining hands-on experience with the latest composite materials, 3D printing technologies, and advanced fabrication processes.

• Aerospace Systems Integration: Deepening knowledge of how various aircraft systems (propulsion, avionics, structures) interface and function by working on prototypes.

• Certification Standards: Understanding and applying industry standards like DO-160G, DO-254, and ARP4754A in a practical prototyping context.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management skills, lead larger teams, and contribute to operational strategy as the company expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges are related to managing growth, transition, and the inherent complexities of aerospace prototyping. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering deep technical and leadership development in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to rapidly prototype a complex component with limited resources. What was your process, and what were the key decisions made?" (Focus on problem-solving, resourcefulness, and decision-making)

• "How do you balance the need for speed in rapid prototyping with the stringent quality and safety requirements of the aerospace industry?" (Assesses understanding of trade-offs and risk management)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting materials and fabrication methods for a new aerospace prototype. What factors do you consider?" (Evaluates technical knowledge and systematic approach)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Otto Aerospace's mission and its approach to developing sustainable business jets?" (Assesses alignment with company vision)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and innovative team environment, especially in a fast-paced setting?" (Gauges cultural fit and teamwork)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of Otto Aerospace's mission and how your skills align. Then, present 2-3 key projects. For each project: state the objective, describe your role and process, detail material/method choices, highlight challenges and solutions, and present outcomes/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, CAD renderings, and short videos of prototypes and fabrication processes.

• Metrics: Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., reduced lead time by X%, improved prototype performance by Y%).

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your specific contributions, design decisions, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the rapid prototyping lifecycle, material science, manufacturing processes, and leadership capabilities, all within the context of aerospace engineering and the specific needs of an innovative company like Otto Aerospace.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Manager, Rapid Prototyping position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on greenhouse.io.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight your experience in aerospace rapid prototyping, team leadership, CAD proficiency (especially CATIA V5/V6/3DX), hands-on fabrication skills, and familiarity with aerospace industry standards. Quantify achievements with numbers where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that demonstrate your process, material selection, problem-solving, and leadership. Be ready to present this visually and discuss it in detail.

• Research Otto Aerospace: Understand their innovative technology, focus on sustainability, and their current stage of development. Prepare to discuss why you are excited about their mission and this specific role.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to rapid prototyping, team management, and aerospace engineering challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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