Chief Engineer
Core
Autonomous technical leader responsible for end-to-end mission success of Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) programs, managing multidisciplinary teams and overseeing complex systems engineering processes.
Role type
Senior IC Chief Engineer (VTVL systems)
Builds
VTVL vehicles for space, defense, and national security missions
Domain
Aerospace engineering, defense, national security
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
System architecture design, technical risk management, requirements definition, cross-functional leadership, engineering review board adjudication, performance margin analysis, design for manufacturability and testability
Preferred skills
Primary technical spokesperson experience, full lifecycle flight hardware development, liquid propulsion system leadership, security clearance maintenance
Technologies
VTVL systems, liquid propulsion systems, spacecraft/launch vehicle subsystems
Responsibilities
Own vehicle technical architecture and design philosophy; serve as senior technical authority for design decisions and risk resolution; lead vehicle-level design from concept through flight test; define development and flight-test approaches; establish design standards and engineering rigor; partner with manufacturing and operations to ensure design operability
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with strategic oversight