Defense Chief Engineer

Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.; New Hudson (MI); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Miller Defense, an Oshkosh company, is looking for a Chief Engineer to lead and mentor engineering teams, own technical strategy, and guide programs from concept through delivery. You will ensure robust design, risk management, and alignment with customer needs, company standards, and industry roadmaps.

Hybrid work arrangement in Michigan is available; travel may be required. A BS or MS in mechanical, electrical, aerospace or related engineering field is required, with at least 15 years in

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and team development.
• Coordinate resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Systems engineering

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Aerospace/Electrical Engineering

Job description

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

Job Description

Pratt Miller Defense is a leader in driving innovation, with a talented and dynamic team dedicated to transforming the future of defense solutions. We integrate cutting-edge technologies, develop unique toolsets, and leverage our expertise in ground vehicles to deliver groundbreaking solutions for our warfighters. We are seeking an entrepreneurial spirit and defense subject matter expert to help align our organization in delivering unique defense solutions and products. This position reports to the Defense Technical Director and offers opportunities for growth through business unit alignment, increased direct reports, and strategic partnerships. A successful candidate will be flexible, self-directed, team-oriented, and capable of managing ambiguity. The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS

• Assist in market intelligence, customer lead generation, scope meetings, opportunity evaluation, and leading proposal efforts.
• Oversee the engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and team development.
• Plan and formulate engineering programs, reviewing product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
• Approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Coordinate technical development, scheduling and resolve engineering design and testing challenges.
• Lead the identification of electrical and hybrid vehicle technical architectures and system partitioning.
• Develop SWOT analyses and identify competitive advantages, proposing PM solutions based on market needs.
• Integrate engineering best practices across the organization.
• Present technical capabilities and solutions to management, customers, and partners.
• Ensure alignment of project solutions with broader organizational goals, industry roadmaps, and emerging technologies.
• Set technical objectives, resolve conflicts, and make decisions based on trade studies and requirements.
• Coordinate resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks to customer satisfaction and project deliverables.
• Lead internal and external technical communications to keep projects on track.
• Oversee financials and ensure project profitability.
• Manage customer relationships, provide status updates, and ensure on-time deliverables.
• Offer feedback on customer needs and continuous process improvements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in full vehicle design and development, including chassis systems, propulsion, and energy systems.
• Expertise in testing, evaluation, and verification/validation of vehicle systems.
• Strong technical background with deep understanding of system engineering, systems safety, and safety-critical software.
• Familiarity with the lean product development process, including CAE tools and optimization.
• Experience in test and evaluation, including developmental and integrated verification strategies.
• Hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing systems in the field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of functional safety systems, associated software, and architecture leadership.
• Familiarity with industry standards and the ability to build team capabilities.
• Solid understanding of vehicle architecture and integration of subsystems.
• Expertise in specific areas such as: Weapon Systems Combat Vehicle Engineering Fire Control Systems Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems Defense AI and Software Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance.

WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Hybrid work environment; as a leader, expected to be in the office 50% or more, depending on the program.
• Minor or extensive travel may be required depending on the program.
• Flexibility to work long hours as needed to meet deadlines.

#LI-TA1 Pay Range: $118,600.00 - $204,000.00 The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skill, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions.

Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email [e-mail].

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application. Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Advance your career by advancing the world. For many of our team members, this is more than a career. It’s a calling. Oshkosh is home to thousands of difference-makers working together to build, serve and protect people and communities around the world. From the front lines to the firehouse, the people we serve are driven by a sense of purpose. The people who work here are no different. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day. As part of a People First culture, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to take ownership of your work, develop your career and make a real impact on the world around you.

Oshkosh is a global company that designs and manufactures some of the world’s toughest specialty and access equipment under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh® AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller.