Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or a related field
3+ years of professional engineering experience in a test-related role within aerospace or defense
Hands-on experience with hardware development
Track record of defining and managing multi-system aerospace projects
Systems-level thinking across aerospace technical disciplines
Experience with agile methodologies in hardware or hybrid environments
Proficiency with agile project management tools like Jira and Confluence
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to take on tasks outside primary job functions
Familiarity with AI tools beyond basic applications
Authorization to access export-controlled information under U.S. laws
Responsibilities
Lead the CLA Light team to build project schedules and highlight critical paths
Collaborate with various teams to identify dependencies and risks to program milestones
Evaluate technical tradeoffs with engineering leads when design changes impact execution
Conduct engineering team standups and translate goals into actionable tasks
Support development and tracking of system requirements and risk mitigation plans
Brief leadership on aircraft development progress and resource needs
Utilize project management tools to organize work and maintain visibility into program risks
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package with a minimum of 90% employer-paid plans
Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
End of Year Bonuses for eligible employees
Access to beverages and snacks, plus paid team meals
401(k) plan
Relocation Assistance
Professional Development Stipend
Full Job Description
About the Role
Whisper Aero is seeking a Project Engineer who will work with cross-functional engineering teams within Whisper to coordinate timing and execution of projects in Tennessee. In this role, you will develop and refine schedules using engineering judgement and facilitate communication.
The successful candidate will be someone with a strong background in executing multi-system aerospace projects and thrives in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment. They will have a passion for excellence and be able to clearly communicate with stakeholders, including engineers and leadership. What You'll Do
Lead on the CLA Light team by utilizing engineering experience and systems thinking to build project schedules, highlight critical paths, and enable rapid execution.
Collaborate across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, assembly, ground testing, and flight testing to proactively identify dependencies, long-lead hardware, resource constraints, and risks to major program milestones.
Engage with engineering leads to evaluate technical tradeoffs and practical paths forward when design changes, test results, or hardware availability impact program execution.
Lead engineering team standups and translate goals into actionable tasks with owners and deadlines.
Support the development and tracking of CLA Light system requirements, verification plans, design reviews, and program milestones. Maintain risk registers and drive mitigation plans for technical, program, and schedule risks.
Brief leadership with clear, accurate information on aircraft development progress, critical-path activities, upcoming test milestones, and resource needs.
Use Jira, Confluence, and other project management tools to organize engineering work, plan sprints, manage cross-team dependencies, and maintain visibility into requirements, design decisions, test activities, and program risks.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, or a related field
3+ years of professional engineering experience in a test related role within the aerospace or defense industry
Proven hands-on background with hardware development
Proven track record defining, organizing, and tracking multi-system aerospace projects
Proven systems level thinking across aerospace technical disciplines
Experience applying agile methodologies in a hardware or hybrid hardware/software program environment
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse technical teams
Proficiency with agile project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, or equivalent for planning, tracking, and communication
Excellent communication, writing, organizational, and teamwork skills
A willingness to work on tasks outside your primary job functions
Familiarity with AI tools (not just ChatGPT, Claude, or an AI notetaker).
This position requires access to information, technology, or materials subject to U.S. export control laws. To comply with these regulations, applicants must be authorized to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
Bonus Qualifications
Background in R&D environments developing new aerospace technologies
Background in aircraft design and testing
Working knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements related to aircraft, engines, electric machines, and electronics
Experience with aircraft engines or electric drivetrains
Experience with modern requirements management software
FAA pilot certification
#LI-DC1
Benefits:
Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no-income-tax life
End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
