Deputy Chief Engineer

Cirrus; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Employer-Paid Coverages

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Generous PTO

Career Development

Job summary

Cirrus in Duluth, Minnesota is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to provide leadership and strategic direction in the engineering department. This role involves overseeing project execution, developing engineering strategies, and mentoring engineering talent. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of experience in aircraft systems with strong project management skills. Benefits include health coverage, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO, fostering a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of technical aircraft and/or aircraft systems experience.
• Proven track record of successful project management.
• Private Pilot’s License required; Commercial Pilot’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to engineering teams overseeing projects.
• Manage and prioritize engineering projects and initiatives.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise

Project management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university

Job description

Job Summary

The Deputy Chief Engineer plays a key leadership role within the engineering department, providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and managerial support to ensure the successful execution of engineering projects and initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Engineer or another senior engineering leader, the Deputy Chief Engineer collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to drive innovation, maintain quality standards, and achieve organizational objectives.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and guidance to engineering teams, overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects in accordance with established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Contribute to the development of engineering strategies, objectives, and initiatives, aligning with organizational goals and priorities to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
• Bring deep technical expertise and knowledge in engineering disciplines relevant to the organization’s products or services, providing guidance and support to engineering teams on complex technical challenges and issues.
• Manage and prioritize engineering projects and initiatives, allocating resources, monitoring progress, and identifying and mitigating risks to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Set and manage budgets for weight, cost, reliability, and maintenance at the aircraft level.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including research and development, product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure alignment of engineering activities with overall business objectives and customer requirements.
• Oversee the certification approach for new and changed products, working with the engineering and airworthiness teams to develop new means of compliance with regulators.
• Implement and maintain quality assurance processes and procedures to ensure that engineering deliverables meet or exceed established quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering department, encouraging creativity, exploration of new technologies, and implementation of best practices to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent, providing coaching, training, and opportunities for growth and advancement to support the professional development and retention of high‑performing engineers.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, partners, and regulatory agencies, to understand their needs and requirements, address concerns, and build positive relationships.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing engineering activities, and proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to project success and organizational reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four‑year college or university, and at least 10 years of technical aircraft and/or aircraft systems experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
• Proven track record of successful project management and delivery in a technical environment.
• Strong technical expertise in relevant engineering disciplines, with a focus on complex integrated systems.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving abilities, with a results‑oriented approach to achieving goals and objectives.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and driving collaboration across diverse teams.
• Private Pilot’s License required; Commercial Pilot’s License preferred.

Competencies

• Drives Results
• Manges Ambiguity
• Develops Talent
• Situational Awareness
• Resourcefulness
• Customer Focused

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer‑Paid Coverages: Group term life, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug‑free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.