Chief Engineer

Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Chief Engineer to join our growing team. This position is located on-site in Hamilton, Washington State. Position Description The Chief Engineer is responsible for providing senior technical leadership across engineering programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, quality standards, and organizational goals. This role guides multidisciplinary teams through complex engineering challenges, oversees the execution of technical deliverables, and drives continuous improvement in engineering practices. The Chief Engineer ensures engineering excellence and innovation while fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. This role demands a hands‑on, self‑motivated, and highly intelligent professional who thrives in a dynamic, evolving engineering environment. Success in this position requires exceptional strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with key stakeholders. The following essential job functions are performed as a Chief Engineer: Serve as the primary technical authority for assigned engineering programs and initiatives. Lead and direct multidisciplinary engineering teams through all phases of product development, from concept through manufacturing and delivery. Interpret and validate engineering documentation, specifications, and drawings. Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, procurement, and program management to ensure successful product realization. Provide oversight on parts lists, three-dimensional models, drawing release, and engineering change documentation. Promote best practices in design for manufacturability and design for assembly. Coordinate technical reviews, product verification and validation activities, and resolve technical issues throughout the product lifecycle. Maintain a focus on continuous improvement, technical excellence, and adherence to industry and internal standards. Monitor and report key technical performance indicators, identifying and reducing technical risks proactively. Support customer communications and resolve engineering‑related concerns in a timely and professional manner. Undertake and manage special projects of varying sizes and complexities, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope. Provide executive support with minimal guidance, managing priorities, scheduling, and delegating tasks when necessary. Handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and strict confidentiality. Performs additional responsibilities as required to support organizational success. Qualifications Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or have Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and require the candidate to agree to enter a Continuous Evaluation program. Education / Experience Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline is required. A minimum of ten years of engineering experience in relevant industries, including at least five years in a senior or principal engineering role. Expertise in leading complex engineering or business projects, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and ensuring timely execution and stakeholder alignment. Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical integration, structural design, and applicable industry standards. Proficiency in three‑dimensional computer‑aided design tools such as CATIA, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks, and the Microsoft Office software suite. Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive, inquisitive, and intuitive approach to challenges. Advanced project management abilities, with demonstrated success in executing initiatives and meeting strategic objectives. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels. Proven ability to manage confidential data and executive‑level discussions with professionalism and discretion. Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities with efficient and effective time management. High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with experience presenting to executives, managing customer relations, and negotiating contracts. Additional Information Salary range for this role is between $150,000 - $200,000, plus discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off‑shifts. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job‑related and non‑discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities. By applying for this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution. Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance. HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account). 401(k) with employer matching. Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays). Education reimbursement program. Several shift options. Premium pay for off‑shifts. Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply. We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people! Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer. Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Aff… (text truncated for brevity) ... As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr