Chief Engineer, Maneuver Dominance

Mission:

• We are seeking a Chief Engineer for the Maneuver Dominance Division to lead the convergence of technical efforts in developing an advanced airborne VTOL platform. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vertical flight focusing on air vehicle development and integrating mission autonomy to meet the evolving demands of defense capabilities.
• Team first. You will have ample opportunity to make individual contributions. But the scale of this project requires us to multi-thread our efforts through a world-class team of technical contributors. You will be asked to help cultivate and guide this group along and ensure they are all moving in the same direction and executing at the highest levels.
• Comfortable stepping into the unknown. Proven expertise in managing complex aerospace projects, with a history of leading such initiatives from concept through to deployment. We operating the technical edge and pushing autonomy into demanding environments. This role will challenge you during the course of product development and impose high-stakes technical decision making agency upon you across a broad array of highly-complex engineering disciplines.

What You’ll Do:

• In the near term, provide technical leadership and oversight across all Maneuver Dominance projects, developing technology maturation road maps, evaluating vehicle concepts and supporting performance modeling in partnership with project leads.
• Mid-term, enhance technical support for ongoing development efforts, expand the technical team, and collaborate with potential partners for vehicle selection and engineering integration.
• Long-term, helm technical custodianship across an exciting portfolio of autonomy platforms that move into an ACAT I program(s) of record that are focused on solving critical and emerging needs for our customers.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be eligible to obtain and hold a US security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Robotics, Physics , or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years in leadership roles such as Technical Program Manager, Chief Engineer, or relevant position.
• Leadership experience in engineering team management and project execution for aerospace or defense sectors.
• Deep experience developing rotary-wing VTOL platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in flight science skillsets and guiding the interrelated disciplines of aerodynamics, flight dynamics, GNC, aeroelastic, loads and dynamics.
• Broad exposure to aircraft concepts, design layouts, static stability, control architectures and propulsion concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and project success.
• Strong project management skills, with experience using tools like JIRA and Confluence, and knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities, capable of engaging effectively with both technical teams and non-technical partners.
• Knowledge of aircraft design principles, including familiarity with vertical lift, eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, as well as aircraft build and integration, and flight test execution/oversight.
• Hands-on experience with the development and deployment of autonomous systems, particularly in rotorcraft or large UAS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with autonomous systems, specifically with the development and integration of rotorcraft or larger UAS.
• Deep familiarity with unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, robotics, aircraft design, particularly eVTOL and hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
• Knowledgeable in the nuanced integration of complex systems, such as launched effects, into aerial platforms, ensuring system compatibility and performance.
• An extensive network within the aerospace industry, enabling effective collaboration and leveraging partnerships for product development.
• Familiarity with Defense Acquisition Processes and a clear understanding of key review stages and compliance requirements.
• Relevant professional certifications that underscore a commitment to continuous learning and application of industry best practices.
• Customer-facing experience with a proven ability to lead high-profile programs and navigate complex client relationships with confidence and authority.