Senior Actuation Engineer
REGENT · North Kingstown
At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before.
Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen.
Role Overview
As a Senior Actuation Engineer, you’ll own the Aerodynamic and Hydrodynamic surface actuation controls that help REGENT deliver flight-capable Seaglider hardware safely and on schedule. You’ll drive sizing, performance, requirements, and trade studies across key load cases, support certification-focused analysis and documentation, and help architecture a scalable actuation foundation as we evolve from prototype to product across multiple programs.
You’ll be joining a group of driven, collaborative, and talented engineers who take pride in solving complex technical challenges and making an impact as a team. We hold a high bar for engineering rigor, move quickly, think boldly, and rely on our teamwork to push boundaries and bring entirely new technology into the world.
If you’re energized by working at the intersection of cutting-edge innovation, real-world impact, and hands-on engineering, you’ll be in the right place - and we’d be thrilled to have you on the team!
What You'll Do
Own the actuation system architecture, requirements, performance and qualification.
Deliver high-impact actuation trade studies supporting major milestones.
Develop and maintain simulation models, assumptions, and documentation that enable repeatable, reviewable engineering decisions.
Collaborate closely with loads, manufacturing, controls, GNC, integration and certification stakeholders to ensure as-built performance align with requirements, producibility, and verification needs.
Contribute to improving team execution by helping refine procedures, templates, and best practices that reduce analysis bottlenecks.
Certify the world’s first all electric Seaglider actuation control system!
What You'll Bring
Experienced actuation engineer with significant focus in electromechanical flight-critical actuation.
Experience leading actuation system development from concept to qualification/certification.
Experience technically managing suppliers of actuation related materials.
Working knowledge of critical actuation technical challenges such as bandwidth, duty cycle, fatigue, stability, power and environmental including sea-based requirements.
Solid fundamentals in control theory, kinematics and mechanism integration.
Familiarity with all aspects of the engineering life cycle (“V”) for actuation from concept to qualification.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, plus a collaborative, low-ego approach in fast-moving, interdisciplinary teams.
Who We're Looking For
Collaborative Team Player: You believe that great things happen when teams work together. You communicate effectively and collaborate with engineers, stakeholders, and other cross-functional teams to align on goals and move projects forward. You bring people together, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and moving towards a shared vision.
Creative Problem Solver: You thrive on tackling complex challenges and finding innovative solutions, bringing a practical, inventive mindset to every problem. You don't just patch issues - you improve processes, anticipate downstream impacts, and help turn one-off fixes into scalable solutions that raise the bar for future builds.
Adaptable & Agile: In a fast-paced, ever-evolving startup environment, you quickly adapt to changing priorities and requirements. You approach challenges with a calm, resilient mindset, and know how to pivot and adjust your approach as needed, ensuring that progress continues without missing a beat.
Innovative Mindset: You’re driven by curiosity and a passion for technology. You’re passionate about driving continuous improvement, embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and team performance.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 100% of your premiums.
401(k) with company matching, so you can plan for the future.
Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks.
Relocation packages available for those moving to join our team.
Daily, free catered lunches
Learning & professional development opportunities
If you’re ready to take on an exciting challenge, grow with us, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, but you see yourself contributing to our mission, we encourage you to apply! We value diverse skillsets and experiences and believe in the potential of passionate individuals to make a big impact.
Equal Opportunity Employer
REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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