Chief Engineering Leader for Aerospace & Defense Systems

Kearfott Corporation; Pine Brook (NJ); On-site; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription

Dental

Vision

Life

Disability insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Tuition assistance

Paid vacation and sick days

Paid holidays

9/80 work week with every other Friday

Job summary

Kearfott Corporation, a global aerospace and defense supplier, seeks a Vice President of Engineering to lead the engineering function for mission-critical systems. This role blends technical depth with executive leadership to drive innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver on program objectives.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, overseeing design, development, testing, and sustainment of aerospace systems, mentoring peers, managing multi-million budgets, and coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; master's or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in aerospace/defense engineering leadership.
• Experience with mission-critical avionics, inertial navigation, and precision electro-mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of DO-178C, DO-254, AS9100, CMMI, MIL-STDs, ITAR and related contracting rules.
• Proven track record delivering complex programs from concept to sustainment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: set engineering strategy aligned with mission and standards.
• Program Oversight: lead design, development, testing, and sustainment of aerospace systems.
• Technical Standards & Compliance: enforce standards and safety requirements.
• Team Leadership: mentor and manage a high-performing engineering team.
• Budget & Resource Management: oversee multi-million-dollar budgets and forecasting.
• Technology & Innovation: evaluate new tech to improve performance and reliability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: align engineering with product and business goals.
• Risk & Compliance: manage disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and regulatory readiness.
• Vendor & Partner Management: coordinate with suppliers and external partners.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Communication

Travel coordination

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering and/or MBA preferred

Job description

Kearfott Corporation, a global aerospace and defense supplier, seeks a Vice President of Engineering to lead the engineering function for mission-critical systems. This role blends technical depth with executive leadership to drive innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver on program objectives.

Responsibilities include setting strategy, overseeing design, development, testing, and sustainment of aerospace systems, mentoring peers, managing multi-million budgets, and coordinating