Chief Engineer

First Search Inc.; Connecticut; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a Chief Engineer, Aerospace to lead development and commercialization of next‑gen propulsion systems for advanced aerospace and defense. This leadership role demands a seasoned executive who can drive concept-to-production in fast‑paced R&D, shaping long‑term technology strategy and mentoring top engineering teams.

You will oversee architecture, lifecycle activities, and technical interfaces with customers and government partners, guiding programs across UAVs, VTOL/eVTOL,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership in aerospace/defense or advanced energy systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through full product lifecycle.
• Experience with UAVs/UAS, VTOL/eVTOL, or hybrid-electric propulsion platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for advanced aerospace propulsion programs.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, and test.
• Define system architecture, requirements, roadmaps, and milestones.
• Oversee concept development, prototyping, testing, validation, manufacturing, and launches.
• Interface with customers, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Lead propulsion integration with aircraft systems, including flight controls and avionics.
• Drive performance analyses, trade studies, design reviews, risk mitigation, and improvements.
• Establish engineering standards, configuration management, and technical review processes.
• Support business development with technical leadership on proposals and programs.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Propulsion systems

Systems engineering

Flight controls integration

Program management

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

Our client, LiquidPiston is looking to identify a Chief Engineer, Aerospace to lead the development and commercialization of next-generation propulsion systems for advanced aerospace and defense applications.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced engineering executive who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments and has a passion for bringing cutting‑edge propulsion technologies from concept to production. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams while helping shape the company's long‑term technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for advanced aerospace propulsion programs.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering.
• Define system architecture, technical requirements, development roadmaps, and program milestones.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle, including concept development, prototyping, testing, validation, manufacturing, and product launch.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Lead the development and integration of propulsion systems for advanced aerospace platforms, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), VTOL/eVTOL aircraft, and hybrid‑electric propulsion applications.
• Guide propulsion integration with aircraft systems, including flight controls, avionics, electrical power management, and overall vehicle architecture.
• Drive system performance analysis, engineering trade studies, design reviews, risk mitigation, and continuous product improvement initiatives.
• Establish engineering best practices, design standards, configuration management, and technical review processes.
• Support business development efforts by providing technical leadership on customer proposals and government-funded programs.
• Build and mentor high‑performing engineering teams while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, defense, propulsion, or advanced energy systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations through the complete product development lifecycle.
• Extensive experience with propulsion systems for UAVs, UAS, VTOL, eVTOL, hybrid‑electric aircraft, or other advanced aerospace platforms.
• Strong understanding of propulsion integration with flight controls, avionics, aircraft electrical systems, and overall aircraft architecture.
• Experience with systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or other government-funded development programs is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.