FAA-certified diesel and jet-fuel piston engines for general aviation and autonomous vehicles
DeltaHawk manufactures the first new piston engine design FAA-certified in over 60 years—a 180-235 hp multi-fuel unit running Diesel or Jet-A. The tech stack (C++, Python, SolidWorks, Creo, NX, Infor CloudSuite Industrial) reflects a hardware-software hybrid operation heavy on CAD and manufacturing execution systems. Active hiring leans engineering (10 roles) with senior and principal levels dominating, suggesting scaling toward certification milestones and production validation rather than foundational R&D.
DeltaHawk designs and manufactures multi-fuel piston engines for light sport aircraft, commercial UAVs, military drones, marine vehicles, and fixed-wing aircraft. The 11–50-person team in Racine, Wisconsin operates across engine development, prototype builds, system design, and flight test operations. Pain points cluster around FAA compliance, manufacturing cost reduction, and documentation rigor—all consistent with a hardware startup navigating certification pathways. Current focus includes Six Sigma process improvement, ground and flight test operations, and validation protocol development.
SolidWorks, Creo, and NX. The stack also includes Infor CloudSuite Industrial for manufacturing execution, C++ and Python for control software, and Infor for ERP.
Engine and airframe system design, prototype builds, ground and flight test operations, Six Sigma manufacturing process improvement, and FAA certification and validation protocol development.
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