Whisper Aero

Designs electric propulsion systems for aircraft

Head of Ground Test

PropulsionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeCrossville, TN, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree with 12 or more years, a Master of Science degree with 10 or more years, or a PhD with 8 or more years of relevant test experience in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience leading and developing test engineers and technicians.
Hands-on experience testing rotating machinery, propulsion, or electromechanical systems.
Expertise in instrumentation, dynamic data acquisition, and signal analysis, including fast Fourier transform, order tracking, and modal analysis; Müller-BBM PAK is strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB and working knowledge of high-power electrical systems and safety.
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.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
Expert proficiency in Müller-BBM PAK, including automation, is preferred.
Experience in acoustics, noise, vibration and harshness, wind tunnel testing, or advanced instrumentation is preferred.
NASA, Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, or government test range experience is preferred.
Experience with qualification testing (DO-160, MIL-STD-810) or ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems is preferred.
Startup experience building test processes and managing large datasets is preferred.

Responsibilities

Hire, develop, and mentor test engineers and technicians, building expertise in instrumentation, test methods, and Müller-BBM PAK.
Prioritize people, equipment, and facilities across programs while driving safety, quality, and accountability.
Lead propulsor development and qualification testing across performance, acoustics, structural dynamics, durability, and environmental conditions.
Own test planning, readiness reviews, execution, hazard analysis, and reporting for programs.
Manage test scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables while partnering with engineering teams to validate designs and models.
Own test capability strategy, capital investment planning, and upgrades across test stands, chambers, electrical infrastructure, and wind tunnel integration.
Standardize data acquisition, calibration, configuration control, and reporting around Müller-BBM PAK and customer-auditable practices.
Drive test automation and data analysis using Python or MATLAB to improve efficiency and repeatability.
Own test safety for rotating machinery, high-power electrical systems, and hazardous environments, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration and NFPA 70E practices.
Deliver clear technical conclusions to engineering leadership, customers, and investors.
Manage vendor relationships, outsourced testing, and department budgets.

Desired Qualifications

Müller-BBM PAK is strongly preferred; expert proficiency, including automation, is a bonus qualification.
Acoustics, noise, vibration and harshness, wind tunnel testing, or advanced instrumentation.
NASA, Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, 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.

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.

About the Role

Whisper Aero is seeking a hands-on Head of Ground Test to lead the team, resources, and processes behind our electric propulsion testing. This role reports to the VP of Engineering Operations. You will lead 12 engineers and technicians, own the test strategy and infrastructure, and deliver accurate, defensible results for our customers.

What You'll Do

Lead the Team

Hire, develop, and mentor test engineers and technicians, building expertise in instrumentation, test methods, and Müller-BBM PAK.
Prioritize people, equipment, and facilities across programs while driving safety, quality, and accountability.

Own Test Execution

Lead propulsor development and qualification testing across performance, acoustics, structural dynamics, durability, and environmental conditions.
Own test planning, readiness reviews, execution, hazard analysis, and reporting for our programs.
Manage test scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables while partnering with engineering teams to validate designs and models.

Build Test Capabilities

Own test capability strategy, capital investment planning, and upgrades across test stands, chambers, electrical infrastructure, and wind tunnel integration.
Standardize data acquisition, calibration, configuration control, and reporting around Müller-BBM PAK and customer-auditable practices.
Drive test automation and data analysis using Python/MATLAB, improving efficiency and repeatability.

Ensure Safety and Customer Confidence

Own test safety for rotating machinery, high-power electrical systems, and hazardous environments, including OSHA/NFPA 70E practices.
Deliver clear technical conclusions to engineering leadership, customers, and investors.
Manage vendor relationships, outsourced testing, and department budgets.

Basic 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); Müller-BBM PAK strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB and 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.
Must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not provided.

Bonus Qualifications

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:

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.
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

About the Company

Whisper Aero

Designs electric propulsion systems for aircraft

Whisper Aero designs and manufactures electric propulsors, specifically electric ducted fans, to power quieter, more efficient propulsion for aircraft and drones. Its technology converts electricity into thrust with a reworked architecture that shifts noise to ultrasonic frequencies, making it up to 100 times quieter. The company positions itself as a propulsion-system supplier, serving defense, commercial, and civil markets rather than building full aircraft. Its goal is to scale production and broaden adoption across defense contracts, civil aviation concepts like the Whisper Jet, and consumer applications, supported by ongoing funding.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Series A
Total funding: $49.7M
Headquarters: Crossville, TN
Founded: 2021

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