Craig Wheeler

I am a Principal Engineer in AES at Otto Aerospace, and I’m excited to be part of the team. I bring 20+ years of experience across aerospace and aviation programs spanning commercial aircraft, rotorcraft, defense, and advanced air mobility. My career has combined hands-on engineering with technical leadership, focused on:

• Aircraft electrical and avionics systems
• High-voltage power distribution and EWIS
• System integration, certification, and safety-critical design

I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to and lead some complex programs at organizations including Bell Helicopter, Airbus Helicopters, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Wisk Aero, supporting:

• Clean-sheet development and new aircraft programs
• Production, retrofit, and modification efforts
• Flight test, verification, and certification activities

My background includes extensive work within FAA certification frameworks under Parts 23, 25, and 27, including prior service as an FAA ODA Unit Member, along with experience in supplier engagement, requirements definition, and verification planning.

I’m originally from Pennsylvania and earned my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Penn State in 2005. I reside between Whitney, Texas and Dallas, Texas. I’m also a check-ride away from private pilot and an active board member of a flying club, regularly flying a Piper Arrow II, which gives me a practical, safety-driven perspective grounded in real operational experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy international travel, vintage cars from the 1980s and 1990s, turning wrenches, real estate and house flipping, snow skiing, scuba diving, boating, and grilling (charcoal elitist for the record, haha). I value hands-on problem solving both professionally and personally, and I bring that same mindset into engineering.

Please feel free to reach out or connect — I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned over the years, collaborate, or help where I can in support of the team and the broader program. You’re also welcome to connect or follow me on LinkedIn.