CHIEF ENGINEER

Job Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Platform Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as an executive, Chief Engineer. As the leading provider of ultra-long endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), we have established a strong presence in the aerospace industry, including partnerships with key players in the defense sector. Chief Engineer reports directly to the CEO and is accountable for establishing and controlling technical milestones and quality performance of multiple engineering disciplines, projects, and activities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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• Manage resources and processes required to design, plan, and support all engineering products and services.
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• Ensure engineering department leads are in line with funded programs and oversee costing for proposing new programs.
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• Plans and coordinates the manning, budget, and project-level tasking of the engineering department.
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• Provides training and mentoring to engineering teams.
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• Provides technical expertise in:
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• Mechanical design with experience in GD&T
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• Drafting in accordance withASMY14.1
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• Aerospace and carbon fiber aircraft
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• Software design and testing from static, functional, and full system level
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• Electrical hardware design, including PCB builds
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DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

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• Coordinates with the executive team and senior leadership to ensure that the Engineering Department meets company schedules and goals
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• Drive the technical engineering data to align with the strategic vision and the company’s roadmap.
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• Serves as a strong technical leader to all engineering departments.
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• Supports the development of new products from concept, prototype, design, testing, and full rate production
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• Drive the quality of the manufacturing package for continued serial improvement of engineering data.
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• Serve as the technical authority for all aircraft systems and engineering products.
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• Approve major technical decisions, design trades, and deviations from established engineering standards.
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• Maintain ownership of the technical baseline and system architecture across all programs.
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• Ensure airworthiness, safety, reliability, maintainability, and performance requirements are met.
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• Review and approve engineering change proposals and major design modifications.
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• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Flight Operations to ensure designs are producible, maintainable, and operationally effective.
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• Work within the AS9100 quality management system (QMS) and champion the use of processes and procedures, and drive updates when needed.
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• Participate in program kickoff meetings, including understanding contract type, statement of work, program goals, budget, and milestones/schedule.
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• Lead the engineering team to validate integrated systems and designs in accordance with technical standards by conducting analysis, testing, and thorough documentation of results.
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• Ensure engineering supervisors and engineering staff are working on program supported design work.
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• Other related duties as required.
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 15+ years of experience; OR a Master’s Degree in STEM with 10 years of experience; OR a PhD in STEM with 10 years of related experience.
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• 10+ years of experience managing technical teams.
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• U.S Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
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• Outstanding leadership and team-building capabilities, strategic thinking, robust technical and business expertise, and the ability to lead diverse engineering disciplines across various projects.
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• Strong engineering background with demonstrated experience managing through design and production.
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• Experience interfacing with customers, including those from the DoD and other military branches
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• Knowledge and experience in aviation and aerospace component manufacturing Industry
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• In-depth knowledge of UAS design, propulsion systems, avionics, and system integration
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• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to UAS operations
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• Experience with an autopilot system
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• Solid understanding of engineering processes with execution experience.
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• Ability to build consensus and effectively resolve conflicts.
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• Excellent people-management and supervisory skills.
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• Proven excellent presentation skills.
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• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Extensive technical knowledge of engineering and product development.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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• Proficient in CAD software
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• Familiarity with Python, C++, C, and other programming languages
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• Familiar with electronics and programming
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• Experience designing systems architecture for autonomous systems.
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• Program management experience
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
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• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
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• Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.
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