Company Description KYLEWORTH AERO is an aerospace company pioneering electric air mobility through the development of all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban and regional travel. Its flagship platform, AVIA E6, is a cargo-first eVTOL designed for practical regional missions, including passenger transport, logistics, and specialized aviation operations. The company integrates aircraft systems engineering, electric propulsion, advanced aerodynamics, autonomous flight control, and aerospace manufacturing to build aircraft for the next generation of aviation. Headquartered in South Africa with an international footprint, KYLEWORTH AERO is active in advanced and regional air mobility, cargo and logistics aviation, and aircraft certification and flight testing. The team focuses on quiet, fast, and sustainable air transport solutions for emerging global markets.
Role Description The Principal Staff Engineer is a full-time, on-site role based in the City of Cape Town, responsible for leading technical development across KYLEWORTH AERO’s eVTOL and electric aircraft programs. This role oversees complex aircraft systems design, integration, and verification, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams working on propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, autonomy, and manufacturing. The Principal Staff Engineer defines technical roadmaps, establishes engineering standards, and reviews designs, analyses, and test plans to ensure safety, certification readiness, and performance targets are met. Daily activities include hands-on technical problem-solving, mentoring senior engineers, coordinating with program management and manufacturing, and supporting ground and flight testing of platforms such as AVIA E6. The role also contributes to technology strategy, supports supplier and partner engagements, and helps ensure compliance with relevant aviation regulations and certification requirements.
Qualifications
- Strong background in aircraft systems engineering, including multidisciplinary integration, requirements management, and verification for complex aerospace platforms.
- Expertise in aerodynamics and aircraft structures, such as load analysis, structural design, and performance optimization for electric or VTOL aircraft.
- Experience with electric propulsion and energy systems, including powertrain architecture, battery or energy storage technologies, and thermal management.
- Knowledge of autonomous flight systems and avionics, including flight control algorithms, sensor integration, and safety-critical software or hardware systems.
- Proven experience in aerospace manufacturing and industrialization, covering design for manufacturability, production processes, and quality assurance.
- Direct involvement in aircraft certification and flight testing, with familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., EASA, FAA or equivalent), test planning, and safety protocols.
- Advanced degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related field; equivalent industry experience with a strong technical track record will also be considered.
- Demonstrated leadership in guiding senior engineering teams, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and