{"id":71068,"date":"2026-06-12T19:12:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T10:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/?post_type=careers&p=71068"},"modified":"2026-07-11T16:04:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T07:04:53","slug":"a-o","status":"publish","type":"careers","link":"https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/en\/careers\/a-o\/","title":{"rendered":"A.O. Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A.O. plays a pivotal role in coordinating the aerodynamics, flight characteristics, flight performance, aeroelasticity, and loads for the SkyDrive SKYDRIVE eVTOL. His responsibilities extend across rotor aerodynamics and structure design. Working in close collaboration with the electric motor and teams, His group ensures a comprehensive simulation of the entire project and takes charge of calculating flight performance.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hailing from the picturesque Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan, renowned for its traditional bridges immortalized in movies, his childhood home provided a unique vantage point near a US base. The sight of formation touch and go by military aircraft from his elementary school roof ignited his passion for aerospace. In his younger days, He also had learned the joy of crafting with radio-controlled cars and gliders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His journey into the aerospace industry culminated in a master\u2019s degree, followed by a remarkable 26-year tenure at Kawasaki Heavy Industries. During this time, he contributed to diverse projects spanning aerodynamics, rotary-wing aircraft,fixed-wing aircraft, launch vehicles, missile design, motorcycles, and the Shinkansen. He enjoyed confronting various aerodynamic phenomena, from conceptual design to defect countermeasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subsequently, he led projects in aerodynamics, encompassing subsonic, transonic,supersonic, and hypersonic designs. In the last several years, he has been involved in development programs from a project perspective and gained extensive insights into dynamics, structure, and avionics across the spectrum of aircraft design. Contemplating the future, he recognized certification as a significant challenge, especially in uncharted territories within the aerospace industry.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Role at SkyDrive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Motivated by SkyDrive being the sole advanced air mobility (AAM) company in Japan applying for certification, he joined the team. His diverse international team, with members from around the globe, embraces an inclusive working style. Daily, weekly, and monthly meetings bridge the physical and temporal gaps, necessitating meticulous tracking of tasks across different time zones\u2014a challenge that he finds invigorating. His preference lies in overseeing the aircraft\u2019s overall design and layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges and Success Stories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Confronting the challenge of technical conversations in English as a native Japanese speaker, he highlights the nuanced differences in terminology between everyday conversations and technical discourse. While most team members share an aerospace background, interactions with those from the automotive industry underscore the need for precise communication to avoid misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Goals and Future Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

He aspires to attain the position of chief engineer, aiming to introduce a novel aircraft to the market. This ambitious long-term goal propels his dedication to shaping the future of air mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In his personal life, A.O, a devoted father, chauffeurs his son to soccer games. His wife, also an aerospace engineer specializing in composite materials at another company, shares his passion. On family holidays, he enjoys listening to his daughter play the piano and traveling on long vacations. His top recommendation is the scenic Kintai Bridge, a famous wooden bridge in his hometown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Message to Future Colleagues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To prospective SkyDrive colleagues, he paints a picture of a dynamic and fast-paced company at the forefront of designing the future of air mobility. Emphasizing the company\u2019s rapid growth, he invites individuals who thrive on challenges and aspire to contribute to groundbreaking aircraft development, assuring them of the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned professionals who relish a good challenge.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":71069,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-71068","careers","type-careers","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t