---
title: 'Senior Mechanical Test Engineer at Whisper Aero'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-test-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-g9sqv95j7f7a'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Senior Mechanical Test Engineer at Whisper Aero

- **Company:** Whisper Aero
- **Location:** Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- **Posted:** 2026-06-30
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero/jobs/5287294008

## Job description

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 highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Test Engineer to work onsite in Crossville, Tennessee to support the development and testing of our cutting-edge electric propulsors. This role involves designing and executing experiments, building ground test rigs, implementing instrumentation systems, and analyzing data to drive innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in instrumentation, electronics, and software tools for automation and analysis, with the ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver meaningful insights.

## What You’ll Do

- Develop and implement test plans, design efficient experiments, and perform specific tests such as static strain, modal analysis, radiated sound power, and propulsor characterization.
- Select, implement, and troubleshoot instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges, load cells, accelerometers, microphones, etc.) and use data acquisition systems like PAK to collect and process test data.
- Design and build test rigs for load measurement, aerodynamics, and other performance evaluations.
- Post-process large datasets, reduce data, and perform statistical analysis using tools like MATLAB and Python.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate designs and frameworks and lead test readiness reviews.
- Mentor junior engineers and be mentored by senior team members.

## Basic Qualifications

- MS in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field with 4+ years of ground testing experience; PhD with 2+ years of experience; BS in Engineering with 10+ years of directly related experience
- Expertise in instrumentation and electronics, including amplifiers, signal conditioners, strain gauges, load cells, and more.
- Functional understanding of high-power electrical systems and machine characterization
- Proficiency in DAQ software (e.g., PAK, HBK, Dewesoft, LabVIEW), programming (Python, MATLAB, microcontrollers), and CAD
- Proficiency in signal analysis (e.g., FFT, Order, Digital Filtering, Modal Analysis)
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Willingness to work on tasks beyond core responsibilities
- U.S. Person status Required

Bonus Qualifications

- Expertise in acoustics, aeroacoustics, aerodynamics, and propulsion
- Experience with low-speed wind tunnel testing and advanced instrumentation (e.g., beam-forming, pressure scanners, balance calibration)
- Skills in designing electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards
- Familiarity with rapid prototyping and 3D printing
- 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 Whisper Aero

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Whisper Aero develops ultra-quiet, scalable electric propulsion systems for drones, jets, and air-moving products, aiming to make flight cleaner and less disruptive.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A) – total funding $41M
- **Headquarters**: Crossville, Tennessee, USA (with a corporate office in Nashville)
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Mark Moore (CEO) and Ian Villa (COO & CPO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; electric propulsion for UAVs, eVTOL, and collaborative aircraft
- **Target customers**: B2B – defense (DoD), commercial aviation, drone logistics, and potentially consumer air-mobility; also air-moving applications (fans, HVAC)
- **Mission statement**: “Deliver the next generation of cleaner, quieter, more efficient thrust for drones, jets, and more” – redefining how and where the world moves.

## Products & Services
- **UltraQuiet™ Propulsion System**: Proprietary electric ducted fan architecture delivering thrust from 5 to 500 lbs, speeds from 40 to 400 knots, and claims 20% greater efficiency than open-rotor designs. Available as the eQ160 propulsor.
- **JetFoil™ Propulsion**: A new family of ultra-quiet, ducted electric thrusters for autonomous collaborative logistics aircraft, funded by U.S. Air Force STRATFI/OECIF.
- **Custom Demonstrator Drones**: Bespoke UAV platforms used to validate first-principles quiet flight (e.g., demonstrator drone flown in 2024).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding – $41M across three rounds (venture round $7.5M in 2021, Series A $33M in 2023, state grant $0.5M in 2025). Estimated annual revenue: $20M per LinkedIn data (unverified).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Capricorn Investment Group, EVE Atlas, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (grant), Tennessee Tech University, U.S. Air Force (STRATFI/OECIF funding).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount grew 31.8% YoY to 67 employees (LinkedIn)
  - Opened an 8,000 sq ft Flight Test Center at Crossville Memorial Airport (funded by $1.2M state appropriation)
  - Partnered with Tennessee Tech to build a 130,000 sq ft manufacturing and testing facility (largest low-speed wind tunnel in the state)
  - Emerging from stealth at AIAA AVIATION 2023; named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Ian Villa, 2022) and Nashville Dealmaker of the Year (2024)

## Competitive Advantages
- **UltraQuiet™ Technology**: ~20 dB quieter than conventional open-rotor propulsion, enabling flights closer to communities and quieter drone operations.
- **Efficiency & Scalability**: 20% more efficient than alternatives; thrust range from 5 to 500 lbs covers small drones to full-scale aircraft.
- **First-Principles IP**: Founded by Mark Moore, NASA pioneer of Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) who led the Puffin, GL-10, LeapTech, and X-57 projects – a deep technical moat.
- **Proven DoD Backing**: US Air Force STRATFI/OECIF contracts validate military interest and de-risk development.

## Strategic Focus
- Scale manufacturing and testing via the joint facility with Tennessee Tech.
- Expand from aviation into broader air-moving products (e.g., fans, HVAC) using the same quiet, efficient core technology.
- Win additional defense contracts for autonomous logistics aircraft.
- Continue refining UltraQuiet™ propulsion for commercial eVTOL and last-mile drone delivery.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Intellectual rigor, trust, and ambition” – values include “Embody Safety”, “Foster creative genius”, and “Prioritize Efficiently”. Low-ego, high-impact environment.
- **Location**: Dual presence – Crossville (rural, near Great Smoky Mountains) and Nashville (city life, music, growing tech hub). Outdoor activities accessible from both.
- **Benefits**:
  - 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision (75% for dependents)
  - 4 weeks PTO plus federal holidays
  - Stock options for all full-time employees
  - Annual professional development stipend
  - End-of-year bonuses
  - Paid office lunches (MWF) and snacks
- **Work Environment**: Primarily on-site in Tennessee (Crossville or Nashville). No income tax. Fast-growing startup with hands-on engineering and flight testing.
- **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge electric propulsion from first principles, with direct impact on real aircraft flight.

## Sources
1. [whisper.aero](https://www.whisper.aero/) – Company overview
2. [whisper.aero/about](https://www.whisper.aero/about) – History, team, milestones
3. [whisper.aero/careers](https://www.whisper.aero/careers) – Benefits and culture
4. [LinkedIn – Whisper Aero](https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisperaero) – Employee count, funding, revenue estimates
5. [Greenhouse – Jobs at Whisper Aero](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero) – Current openings and company description

## Other roles at Whisper Aero

- [Government Contracts Attorney](https://feeny.ai/job/government-contracts-attorney-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-ntsc81rwv85v) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Propulsion Aerodynamics Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/propulsion-aerodynamics-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-tennessee-482ayjshxkas) — Nashville Tennessee, United States
- [Business Development Manager, Defense](https://feeny.ai/job/business-development-manager-defense-whisper-aero-nashville-tennessee-zxjy8j18deq8) — Nashville Tennessee, United States
- [Structures Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/structures-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-9xq21t8x3c7p) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Head of People](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-people-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-zq3w0x4kq3he) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN
- [Senior Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-administrator-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-w4samrw7p8hs) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN / Nashville Tennessee, United States
- [Project Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/project-engineer-whisper-aero-crossville-tennessee-ptxp1nkbnwtz) — Crossville Tennessee, United States