Chief Engineer, Aerospace

Location: Suffield, CT

Department: Aerospace Engineering

• Lead the technical vision, architecture, and engineering execution for aerospace propulsion programs.
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, controls, power systems, manufacturing, and testing.
• Define system requirements, technical roadmaps, and development milestones for advanced propulsion solutions.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle from concept development to prototyping, validation, certification support, manufacturing, and field deployment.
• Serve as the principal technical authority for customer engagements, government programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Drive the sizing, development and integration of advanced propulsion systems for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL), hybrid-electric aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
• Direct the design, testing, and validation of propulsion solutions optimized for hover, transition, and forward-flight performance.
• Integrate propulsion systems with flight controls, power management, avionics, and aircraft systems to achieve mission, performance, and reliability objectives.
• Guide engine integration for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), defense aviation, and next-generation aerospace platforms.
• Establish engineering standards, design review processes, risk management practices, and configuration control.
• Lead trade studies, system performance analyses, failure investigations, and continuous product improvements.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify new market opportunities and support proposal development for government and commercial contracts.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, defense organizations, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace partners.
• Mentor engineering leaders while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, propulsion, defense, or advanced energy systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in internal combustion engines, propulsion systems, thermodynamics, combustion, and powertrain development.
• Extensive experience developing propulsion systems for eVTOL, hybrid-electric aircraft, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Strong understanding of propulsion integration with airframe, flight controls, avionics, and power management systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification processes.
• Experience managing government-funded R&D programs, including the Department of Defense and related agencies.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Strong project management, , and organizational leadership skills.

• PTO: We value work–life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge. 
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
• Equity Participation: Employes may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
• 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment. 
• Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.