Chief Engineer (Aerospace)

About the role

The Chief Engineer for Strategic Systems is an autonomous technical leader responsible for the end-to-end mission success of solid rocket propulsion system programs. This role is part of the Strategic Systems department based in Reno, NV, Folsom, CA, Huntsville, AL, or Long Beach, CA, or Remote.

Responsibilities

• Manage large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex systems engineering processes.
• Direct the end-to-end technical lifecycle of the program by leading cross-functional teams through rigorous design reviews and qualification milestones.
• Ensure the final system is producible, compliant with technical data requirements, and balanced against cost and schedule constraints.
• Maintain a rigorous focus on the critical path, proactively deconflicting resources, and driving schedule performance through the aggressive management of task span-times and alternative execution strategies.
• Establish and maintain lean technical scope baselines by eliminating contingency budgeting, monitoring cost performance indices (CPI) to mitigate variances, and rigorously challenging budget change requests to preserve management reserves through the exploration of alternative technical solutions.
• Lead the engineering team in meeting all program milestones.
• Manage both internal and external stakeholder relationships by presenting programmatic material, cultivating new business, and ensuring all customer requests remain within authorized scope while providing data-driven technical alternatives for collaborative decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline with 15 years of engineering experience and 5+ years of technical leadership in solid rocket motors.
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• At least four years of experience leading controllable solid rocket propulsion system projects consisting of high-performing multi-disciplinary teams of no less than 10 people.
• Current DoD Secret Security clearance.
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of engineering experience with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience leading solid rocket motor (SRM) programs.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and leading complex systems engineering processes.
• Proven ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Skills

• Technical leadership in solid rocket propulsion systems.
• Project management and scheduling expertise.
• Systems engineering and process improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Cost and schedule management.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Significant portion of premiums covered by the company
• Free on-demand workout videos
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
• Wellness program

Pay

The good faith base salary range for this role is $195,000–$250,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Schedule

Travel up to 25%, including the possibility of overnights within the vicinity of our site locations or external test facilities.

Location

• Reno, NV
• Folsom, CA
• Huntsville, AL
• Long Beach, CA
• Remote