Defense Chief Engineer

About the role

Pratt Miller is a product development company serving the motorsports, defense, and mobility industries. We specialize in product engineering and low-volume production solutions, helping our clients bring innovative products to market quickly.

Responsibilities

• Aid in market intelligence, customer lead generation, scope meetings, opportunity evaluation, and proposal efforts.
• Oversee the engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and team development.
• Plan and formulate engineering programs, reviewing product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
• Approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Cook up technical development, scheduling, and resolve engineering design and testing challenges.
• Lead the identification of electrical and hybrid vehicle technical architectures and system partitioning.
• Develop SWOT analyses and identify competitive advantages, proposing PM solutions based on market needs.
• Integrate engineering best practices across the organization.
• Present technical capabilities and solutions to management, customers, and partners.
• Ensure alignment of project solutions with broader organizational goals, industry roadmaps, and emerging technologies.
• Set technical objectives, resolve conflicts, and make decisions based on trade studies and requirements.
• Cook up resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks to customer satisfaction and project deliverables.
• Lead internal and external technical communications to keep projects on track.
• Oversee financials and ensure project profitability.
• Manage customer relationships, provide status updates, and ensure on-time deliverables.
• Offer feedback on customer needs and continuous process improvements.

Requirements

• Experience in full vehicle design and development, including chassis systems, propulsion, and energy systems.
• Expertise in testing, evaluation, and verification/validation of vehicle systems.
• Strong technical background with deep understanding of system engineering, systems safety, and safety-critical software.
• Familiarity with the lean product development process, including CAE tools and optimization.
• Experience in test and evaluation, including developmental and integrated verification strategies.
• Hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing systems in the field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of functional safety systems, associated software, and architecture leadership.
• Familiarity with industry standards and the ability to build team capabilities.
• Expertise in specific areas such as: Weapon Systems, Combat Vehicle Engineering, Fire Control Systems, Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems, Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems, Defense AI and Software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance.

Work Requirements

• Hybrid work environment; as a leader, expected to be in the office 50% or more, depending on the program.
• Minor or extensive travel may be required depending on the program.
• Flexibility to work long hours as needed to meet deadlines.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $118,600.00 - $204,000.00. The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions.

Benefits

Oshkosh Corporation offers a competitive total rewards package and prioritizes a people-first culture. Various opportunities are available to support team member growth and success. Oshkosh Corporation is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

EEO Statement

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application. Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.