System Leader - Engine Program Development

Viraj Aero; Toulouse; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Job summary

Viraj Aero is seeking a System Leader - Engine Program Development to drive the technical integration, development cadence, and cross-functional execution of next‑generation propulsion systems. You will coordinate engineering work packages, ensure alignment at the system level, and steer the roadmap toward program milestones.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Engineering with 8+ years in aerospace, strong NPI engine experience, and proven leadership across cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in the aerospace industry.
• Extensive NPI engine experience.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong system integration and understanding of program gates.
• Excellent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as direct manager and focal point for all Work Package Owners.
• Establish development cadence and ensure progress of all work packages.
• Monitor schedule and provide hands-on guidance to resolve bottlenecks.
• Ensure teams are prepared to pass program gates and reviews.
• Coordinate engineering work packages and manage technical interfaces.
• Lead system performance assessments and risk management.

Skills

System integration

Leadership

NPI engine experience

Aerospace industry

Cross-functional coordination

English communication

Program management

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Contract: CDI

Compensation: €70,000 - €90,000 base salary + performance-based bonus

About us

We are developing next-generation aerospace propulsion systems to tackle the challenge of decarbonizing aviation. At the intersection of breakthrough innovation and rigorous aerospace engineering standards, our ambition is to design highly efficient propulsion architectures.

To achieve our next technological and industrial milestones, we are building an elite team of top-tier engineers and technical experts (turbomachinery, combustion, aerothermodynamics, acoustics, fluid mechanics, multiphysics modeling, systems integrators, airworthiness, production, industrialization).

We are looking for a high-impact System Leader - Engine Program Development to drive the technical integration, development cadence, and cross-functional execution of our next-generation propulsion systems.

Acting as a key pillar in our engineering organization, you will coordinate our engineering work packages, ensure rigorous alignment at the system level, and steer our technical roadmap toward upcoming program milestones and gates.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the direct manager and focal point for all Work Package Owners (WPOs).
• Establish the development cadence, ensuring all work packages progress at the required velocity.
• Monitor schedule performance and provide hands‑on guidance to resolve bottlenecks.
• Ensure all WPOs and their teams are fully prepared to successfully pass program gates and reviews.

System Integration & Performance Management

• Act as the technical integrator, synthesizing outputs and advancements across all work packages (turbomachinery, aerodynamics, mechanical design, etc.).
• Verify that cross‑functional developments align perfectly at the system level.
• Lead system performance assessments to guarantee the integrated engine meets all defined targets, weight budgets, and program objectives.
• Proactively manage technical interfaces, configuration management, and critical risks that could impact overall system coherence.

Required Profile

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in the aerospace industry.
• Extensive experience in NPI (New Product Introduction) engine.
• Proven leadership in managing cross‑functional teams and coordinating Work Package Owners (WPOs).
• Strong system integration skills with a deep understanding of system‑level performance, technical interfaces, and program gates.
• Excellent communication skills, with professional fluency in English.

Required skills and qualities

• Technical Rigor: Deep familiarity with complex aerospace engineering environments (gas turbines, aero‑mechanics, structural analysis, CFD, etc.) and trade‑off management.
• Leadership & Drive: Strong interpersonal skills, operational grit, and the ability to steer multidisciplinary experts toward tight schedule targets.
• Agility & Rigor: The capability to combine startup agility and fast‑paced prototyping with the exacting safety and quality standards of advanced aerospace engineering.
• Languages: Full professional proficiency in both English and French.
• A unique opportunity to join a fast‑growing aerospace startup at an early stage and take direct ownership of next‑generation sustainable propulsion architectures.
• Direct, measurable impact on the company’s technological trajectory and engine development milestones.
• An attractive compensation package combining a competitive base salary and performance incentives.
• An environment where startup agility meets the rigorous standards of advanced aerospace engineering.
• Dynamic collaboration with rapid prototyping projects and regular interaction between R&D, design, and testing teams.

Join us to be part of the Viraj Aero adventure and shape the future of sustainable aviation!