Chief Propulsion Engineer — Aerospace Systems Leader

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

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,