Head of Engineering

Job Summary

Required Qualifications

• •8+ years of mechanical design and manufacturing experience, with a proven track record of managing engineering teams and technical programs focused on metallics, composites, and thermal protection systems (TPS).
• •Demonstrated experience hiring, mentoring, and leading high-performing engineering teams, including establishing team schedules, managing resource allocation, and tracking KPIs to drive operational success.
• •Proven leadership in directing major engineering projects from concept through production, involving mechanical systems, softgoods, and polymer-based components in the aerospace or defense sectors.
• •Deep technical expertise in thermal protection systems, composite manufacturing processes, material properties, and relevant aerospace testing standards, with the ability to provide detailed-level engineering guidance.
• •Experience supporting business development initiatives, including assisting with technical proposals, cost estimations, and statements of work (SOW).
• •Strong background overseeing the creation of manufacturing and build plans, rigorous process documentation, and quality controls to ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards.
• •Strategic understanding of CAD workflows, advanced prototyping, and fabrication techniques (such as machining, composite layups, and bonding) to effectively manage engineering throughput.
• •Deep knowledge and experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to track inventory, manage bills of materials (BOMs), and streamline production and engineering workflows.
• •Expertise leading root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions for complex material failures, process anomalies, and manufacturing defects.
• •Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; an advanced degree (Master's or MBA) is a plus.

Desired Qualifications

• •Strategic oversight of CAD/CAM workflows and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems to effectively manage engineering data, configuration control, and production workflows across the department.
• •Deep expertise in GD&T principles (per ASME Y14.5) with the ability to review, approve, and establish corporate standards for aerospace-grade engineering drawings.
• •Extensive background directing advanced design and manufacturing methodologies across CNC machining, composites, ceramics, sheet metal, and injection molding, including tooling and mold development.
• •Proven ability to foster high-level cross-functional alignment, seamlessly collaborating with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program management to drive company initiatives.
• •Demonstrated experience overseeing qualification and certification campaigns for aerospace and defense hardware, including ruggedized systems and TPS components.
• •Strong technical leadership in design methodologies for harsh environments, ensuring team deliverables meet strict requirements for durability, thermal resilience, and mechanical integrity.
• •Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain and maintain one, to oversee controlled defense-related programs and secure facilities.
• •PhD. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, combined with extensive leadership experience in advanced material applications.