Advance Engineering Chief Engineer

Role Overview

Are you ready to shape the future of advanced manufacturing where high-precision motion systems, robotic material processing, and innovative joining technologies come together to solve some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges?

We’re looking for a Chief Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing to lead the conceptual, technical, and research direction of our most ambitious automation systems. In this role, you’ll serve as a senior technical leader within PAR’s Advanced Manufacturing group, driving the development of high-precision automation solutions for aerospace and defense manufacturing applications.

Our Chief Engineers operate at the intersection of innovation and delivery. You’ll translate customer needs into practical, cost-effective system concepts, guide R&D that expands PAR’s core capabilities, and serve as a trusted resource to engineering teams tackling their most difficult technical challenges.

Core Responsibilities

Proposal & Estimating Leadership

• Engage directly with customers to understand their technical and operational objectives.
• Lead concept development for Requests for Quotation (RFQs), defining architectures, technologies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and project management teams to refine technical solutions and produce accurate cost, schedule, and risk estimates.
• Present technical approaches and business cases to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, for approval and alignment with company strategy.
• Serve as a primary technical voice in business development discussions, ensuring solutions balance innovation, feasibility, and profitability.

Research & Development Strategy and Execution

• Contribute to the long-range R&D roadmap for Advanced Manufacturing, identifying technologies that expand PAR’s capabilities in precision automation, material joining, additive manufacturing, and digital factory integration.
• Lead or participate in internal R&D initiatives, ensuring effective transition of emerging technologies into commercial solutions.
• Collaborate with external partners, universities, and suppliers to accelerate innovation in automation, controls, and advanced processes.
• Represent PAR in industry conferences and technical forums to strengthen our leadership reputation in next-generation manufacturing.

Red Team Leadership & Technical Problem Solving

• Act as a senior technical advisor and “Red Team” leader, called upon to help project teams resolve high-complexity design, process, or integration challenges.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving reviews, applying engineering fundamentals and cross-disciplinary insight to guide root cause identification and resolution.
• Mentor engineers in technical rigor, risk assessment, and design-for-manufacturability principles, building organizational depth and technical maturity.

You’ve learned about what you'll be doing, here are the benefits you'll gain when you join our team: 

• Global team recognized for their passion of inventing 

• First-of-a-kind product culture and project exposure 

• Training and development from industry-leading experts 

• Cutting edge benefit programs that include: 401(k) & matching; Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Disability & Life Insurance; PTO, Paid Holidays, & Parental Leave for both Parents; Tuition Reimbursement

PAR Systems is an equal opportunity employer and we value individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or any other status protected by applicable law. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources department if you require accommodation during the interview or assessment process and we will support your accessibility needs. We offer market competitive pay and benefits based upon the candidate’s skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Our starting rate of pay for this salaried position is targeted at $150,000–$200,000 annually and is bonus eligible.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in custom automation or advanced manufacturing system design and delivery.
• BS in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field); MS preferred.
• Deep expertise in precision motion systems and robotics, with experience in advanced manufacturing processes such as laser processing, friction stir welding, and other related technologies.
• Experience delivering automation solutions within regulated industries such as aerospace or defense, with working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Experience leading proposal development and presenting solutions to customers and senior management.
• Demonstrated capability in guiding R&D initiatives and integrating emerging technologies into production solutions.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.  Able to align diverse stakeholders and explain complex technical topics clearly.
• Experience collaborating with legal teams on IP management and technical contract negotiation.
• US Person