Chief Engineer

CoAspire, LLC; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) match

Paid Time Off

Federal holidays

Job summary

CoAspire is seeking a Senior Chief Engineer to lead technical strategy for weapon-system programs in Northern Virginia. You will own end-to-end architecture, MBSE processes, and system integration, working with executive leadership to meet performance, reliability, and affordability goals.

The role requires 10+ years in aerospace/defense engineering, DoD program experience, and active or obtainable U.S. Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven engineering leadership in aerospace/defense manufacturing or weapons-system development.
• Experience leading DoW weapons or air-launched effects programs from prototype through high-rate production.
• Experience in classified environments and airworthiness/certification processes.
• Deep expertise in system-level design ownership and configuration management.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. Secret clearance.
• Strong leadership with excellent communication to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution for specific weapon-system programs.
• Lead end-to-end design, development, integration, and testing with program management.
• Maintain MBSE artifacts, including requirements, architecture models, and interfaces.
• Oversee design reviews, verification/validation, ground and flight testing.
• Manage BOMs, baselines, and cross-functional technical efforts with supply chain.
• Interface with DoW customers, prime contractors, and suppliers for reviews and deliverables.
• Mentor engineers across aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, and IT teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, safety, and affordability.

Skills

Engineering leadership

MBSE

System-level design

Clearance

DoW weapons experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over thirteen years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

Position: You will serve as the senior technical authority and Chief Engineer for specific weapon-system programs, driving technical strategy, architecture, and execution while leading the development and integration of next-generation aerospace and defense platforms. Working directly with executive leadership and program managers, you will own the end-to-end technical roadmap—from concept through production—ensuring every mechanical, electrical, and integration solution meets stringent DoW performance, reliability, and affordability requirements. This high-visibility role provides multidisciplinary leadership across design-for-manufacturability, production scaling, systems integration, and technical risk management for advanced weapons systems, all while maintaining full compliance with company and government specifications.

Location: Fairfax or Manassas, VA Onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution for specific weapon-system programs, defining system-level requirements and leading end-to-end design, development, integration, and testing in close partnership with program management.
• Support and maintain Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes and artifacts, including requirements, architecture models, and interface definitions.
• Lead technical design reviews (e.g. PDR/CDR), verification and validation activities, ground testing, and flight testing to deliver proven, mission-ready systems.
• Oversee identification, qualification, and implementation of cost-effective COTS and MIL-SPEC components, materials, and processes while ensuring full form/fit/function compliance and ITAR/DFARS adherence.
• Manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), configuration baselines, and technical efforts across all subsystems and subcomponents while partnering with supply chain and buyers to ensure readiness.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with DoW customers, prime contractors, and suppliers for design reviews, contract deliverables, and resolution of cross-functional challenges.
• Mentor and provide technical oversight to aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, and I&T engineers while conducting technical risk assessments, trade studies, and mitigation plans.
• Champion continuous improvement in quality, safety, and affordability across all programs in accordance with applicable standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven engineering leadership experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing or weapons-system development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success leading DoW weapons or air-launched effects programs from prototype through high-rate production, with prior experience in classified environments and airworthiness/certification processes.
• Deep expertise in system-level design ownership, parallel design efforts, complex mechanical/electrical drawings and configuration management.
• Active or ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Secret clearance.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent communication skills; able to brief senior DoW stakeholders, customers, and internal leadership.

Desired Skills

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Prior experience as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Lead Systems Engineer on DoW weapons, missiles, or related programs.
• Hands‑on knowledge of aerospace materials, MIL‑SPEC connectors/harnesses, composites, additive manufacturing and/or modern production technologies.

What We Offer

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits beginning first of month following hire: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

The anticipated salary range for this position is $220,000 -$280,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.