Chief Engineer - Aerospace and Defense - LiquidPiston

Chief Engineer - Aerospace and DefenseLiquidPiston is an advanced propulsion technology company developing compact, high-efficiency engine and power system solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. Built around a patented rotary engine architecture, LiquidPiston is challenging conventional approaches to propulsion by delivering smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient systems for next-generation platforms. This is an opportunity to join a team working on technology with the potential to fundamentally change how power is delivered in aerospace and defense applications.LiquidPiston is seeking a Chief Engineer to provide strategic and technical leadership across the design, development, integration, and commercialization of advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and defense applications. This is a highly influential technical leadership role for an engineer who wants to shape the technology, guide multidisciplinary teams, and take complex propulsion systems from concept through flight-ready hardware and commercialization.The Chief Engineer will oversee and influence engineering efforts spanning mechanical, electrical, systems, testing, and other disciplines to ensure the final product meets demanding performance, reliability, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements. Working closely with executive leadership, government agencies, defense customers, and commercial partners, the Chief Engineer will help define technical direction, make critical engineering decisions, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure development programs remain aligned with both customer needs and business objectives.The ideal candidate is a technically strong and decisive engineering leader who can operate at both the systems level and the engineering-detail level - someone who can set the technical vision while also challenging assumptions, asking the right questions, and driving a team toward solutions.At LiquidPiston, the Chief Engineer won't simply be managing an established product line. You'll have the opportunity to influence the development of a fundamentally different propulsion architecture and help determine where the technology goes next. For the right engineer, this is a chance to have a meaningful technical impact on advanced aerospace and defense systems while working alongside a highly entrepreneurial engineering team.Key Responsibilities:Lead the technical vision, architecture, and engineering execution for aerospace propulsion programs.Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, power systems, and testing.Define system requirements, technical roadmaps, and development milestones for advanced propulsion solutions.Oversee the complete product lifecycle from concept development to prototyping, validation, certification support, manufacturing, and field deployment.Serve as the principal technical authority for customer engagements, government programs, and strategic partnerships.Drive the sizing, development and integration of advanced propulsion systems for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL), hybrid-electric aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).Direct the design, testing, and validation of propulsion solutions optimized for hover, transition, and forward-flight performance.Integrate propulsion systems with flight controls, power management, avionics, and aircraft systems to achieve mission, performance, and reliability objectives.Guide engine integration for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), defense aviation, and next-generation aerospace platforms.Establish engineering standards, design review processes, risk management practices, and configuration control.Lead trade studies, system performance analyses, failure investigations, and continuous product improvements.Collaborate with business development teams to identify new market opportunities and support proposal development for government and commercial contracts.Manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, defense organizations, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace partners.Mentor engineering leaders while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, propulsion, defense, or advanced energy systems.Extensive experience developing propulsion systems for eVTOL, hybrid-electric aircraft, or unmanned aerial vehicles.Strong understanding of propulsion integration with airframe, flight controls, avionics, and power management systems.Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations from concept through commercialization.Strong knowledge of systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification processes.Experience managing government-funded R&D programs, including the Department of Defense and related agencies.Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders.Strong project management, and organizational leadership skills.Benefits & Perks:PTO: We value work–life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.Equity Participation: Employees may receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5% after 1 year of employment.Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.Our Culture: At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk - and we're not afraid to fail as we move forward. Equal Opportunity Employer: LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability. All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.