CHIEF ENGINEER

Platform Aerospace; Maryland; On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the engineering department in Hollywood, MD. The position requires extensive experience in aerospace and a strong technical background. You will oversee project execution, ensure quality standards, and work closely with senior leadership to achieve company goals.

As a Chief Engineer, you'll supervise technical teams, manage design processes, and maintain regulatory compliance. A bachelor’s degree in STEM and significant experience are essential for this critical role. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in STEM or equivalent education.
• 10+ years managing technical teams.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Managing engineering products and services.
• Driving technical data alignment with company vision.
• Leading product development from concept to production.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering background

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

CAD software

Python

C++

C

Job description

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CHIEF ENGINEER

Platform Aerospace MD, Hollywood, MD, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1284

Salary Range: $180,000.00 To $250,000.00 Annually

JOB TITLE: CHIEF ENGINEER

DEPARTMENT: ENGINEERING

REPORTS TO: CEO

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

CLEARANCE: SECRET

LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD

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:

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

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficient in CAD software.
• Familiarity with Python, C++, C, and other programming languages.
• Familiar with electronics and programming.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $250,000. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.