Aerospace Engineering Director

Chief Engineer – Aerospace SystemsConnecticut | Relocation Assistance AvailableAn inventive aerospace organization is in search of a skilled Chief Engineer to lead the progression of cutting-edge aerospace platforms from inception through manufacturing. This private opportunity presents the chance to offer upper-level technical guidance while supervising the creation, assimilation, testing, and delivery of exceptionally engineered aerospace products supporting both commercial and government clientele.As the principal engineering executive, you will establish the technical vision, manage diverse engineering teams, and supervise every aspect of the product lifecycle—from system architecture and detailed design to integration, confirmation, testing, and production. This position offers substantial influence over technology strategy, engineering excellence, and organizational expansion.ResponsibilitiesSupply technical direction for challenging aerospace development programs from inception through manufacturing.Determine system architecture, engineering plan, and long-term product development pathways.Lead diverse engineering teams comprising aerospace, mechanical, electrical, avionics, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering.Direct the design, integration, and validation of advanced aerospace platforms and mission-critical systems.Supervise aircraft structures, systems integration, flight controls, propulsion integration, aerodynamics, and supporting subsystems.Steer prototype development, laboratory testing, ground testing, flight testing, confirmation, and validation activities.Institute and maintain engineering best practices, including design reviews, configuration management, technical risk management, and quality standards.Act as the primary technical liaison with customers, suppliers, government agencies, and strategic partners.Coach engineering managers and technical staff while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.Collaborate with executive leadership to align engineering initiatives with business objectives and future expansion.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field. Master's degree preferred.15+ years of advancing aerospace engineering experience with escalating technical and organizational leadership duties.Successful track record leading the development of complex aerospace products from idea to testing and manufacturing.Strong proficiency in aircraft design, structural development, systems integration, aerodynamics, propulsion integration, flight controls, and product validation.Experience integrating avionics, electrical systems, communications, navigation, sensors, propulsion, and other crucial aircraft systems.Demonstrated success leading diverse engineering organizations and large-scale product development endeavors.Thorough understanding of systems engineering, verification and validation, configuration management, and engineering development processes.Superb leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsExperience with unmanned aircraft, autonomous systems, or other advanced aerospace technologies.Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated engineering programs.Familiarity with FAA, military, or other aerospace certification and airworthiness requirements.Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and engineering best practices.Why This Opportunity?This is an exceptional chance to influence the technical trajectory of an evolving aerospace organization advancing next-generation flight technologies. The triumphant candidate will wield substantial influence over engineering strategy, product innovation, and organizational triumph while guiding an experienced diverse engineering team through the development of complex aerospace systems.Position DetailsFull-time, onsite leadership roleSituated in ConnecticutRelocation assistance is available for the ideal candidateCompetitive compensation, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits