Chief Engineer

Foxhound Federal; Town of Poland (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Full benefits package

Flexible work from home options

Job summary

A veteran-owned defense contractor seeks a Senior Principal Engineer – Systems Design & Mechanical Architecture in New York. The role involves leading the design and integration of next-generation missile systems, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and overseeing substantial budgets. Candidates should have over 15 years of aerospace or defense experience with a focus on missile systems and proficiency in Creo and SolidWorks. Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package await applicants.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in aerospace or defense engineering with missile systems experience.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical architecture and integration.
• Hands-on experience with composites, injection molding, prototyping, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead airframe and launcher design for advanced missile and UAS systems.
• Oversee mechanical architecture of seeker, warhead, propulsion, and guidance components.
• Direct a multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Skills

Mechanical systems experience

Leadership

Budget management

Prototyping

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (MS preferred)

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Senior Principal Engineer – Systems Design & Mechanical Architecture

Clearance: TS

Are you a hands-on engineer with deep mechanical systems experience and a passion for leading high-impact projects? We’re looking for a Senior Engineer to lead the design, integration, and execution of next-generation missile and counter-UAS systems.

This is a high-visibility role that blends technical leadership with cross-functional team management in a fast-paced, rapid development environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead airframe and launcher design for advanced missile and UAS systems
• Oversee mechanical architecture of seeker, warhead, propulsion, and guidance components
• Direct a multi-disciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical, test, structural)
• Serve as Cost Account Manager (CAM) for over $10M in development and integration budgets
• Spearhead rapid prototyping efforts and transition designs into production
• Own all phases of mechanical integration, from CAD modeling to environmental testing
• Support strategic planning, hiring, mentoring, and performance development for your team

What We’re Looking For

• BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (MS preferred)
• 15+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with deep missile systems experience
• Expertise in Creo, SolidWorks, surfacing/solid modeling.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver results
• Hands-on experience with composites, injection molding, prototyping, and testing
• MIL-STD testing knowledge

Bonus Points For

• Experience in counter-UAS, directed energy, or rapid prototyping labs
• Background in tooling, fabrication, or supplier coordination
• Track record of innovative design and successful transitions to production
• Experience with Servo/electric design

Why Join Us

• Work on mission-critical defense programs with real-world impact
• Lead next-generation systems in a high-velocity engineering environment
• Join a team that values innovation, autonomy, and technical excellence
• Competitive salary, performance incentives, and a full benefits package

Flexible work from home options available.

About Foxhound Federal

Foxhound Federal is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business specializing in helping federal agencies and consulting organizations acquire high-caliber candidates for business development, internal operations and program delivery. Our past performance and reasonable pricing are your guarantee that we will deliver the high-caliber candidates our clients need to meet any and all contractual obligations.

I was referred to this position by a current employee