Development Engineer

Sky Limit Systems; Granby (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems is seeking a Development Engineer to lead aerospace product development from concept through production. You will own technical requirements, design activities, risk management, and cross-functional project execution while collaborating with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Requirements include a BS/MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, 3D modeling with SolidWorks, GD&T proficiency, and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in product development, design engineering, or project engineering.
• Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate activities.
• Experience developing 3D models and 2D drawings, SolidWorks preferred.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Ability to translate customer requirements and government specs.
• Strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution of projects from concept through development, qualification, and production.
• Develop and maintain technical data packages, engineering docs, 3D models, and drawings.
• Perform design trade studies, tolerance analyses, and calculations.
• Translate customer requirements and military specs into engineering designs.
• Lead requirements generation, flow-down, and verification activities.
• Coordinate tasks across cross-functional teams and manage schedules.
• Facilitate design reviews and customer-facing development activities.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing to ensure production-readiness.
• Develop test requirements, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Support testing, qualification, and transition into production.

Skills

Leadership & project coordination

Technical problem-solving

3D modeling & drawings

GD&T knowledge

Communication & cross-functional work

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS in related field (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MS Project

Job description

We are seeking a Development Engineer to lead the technical execution of aerospace and defense product development projects from concept through qualification and production. This role combines hands-on engineering, technical project leadership, customer collaboration, and cross-functional coordination. The Development Engineer will own technical requirements, design activities, risk management, technical documentation, and project execution while working closely with customers, suppliers, manufacturing, and internal engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical execution of projects from concept through development, qualification, and production
• Develop and maintain technical data packages, engineering documentation, 3D models, and 2D drawings
• Perform design trade studies, tolerance analyses, hand calculations, and technical assessments
• Translate customer requirements and government/military specifications into engineering requirements and designs
• Lead requirements generation, allocation, flow-down, and verification activities
• Coordinate technical tasks across cross-functional project teams and manage project schedules
• Facilitate internal and customer-facing design reviews, technical meetings, and development activities
• Work directly with customers on design, interface, and functional requirements
• Collaborate with suppliers to procure prototype hardware and support risk-reduction testing
• Assess technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support root cause investigations
• Partner with manufacturing and other departments to ensure designs are production-ready
• Develop test requirements, procedures, and supporting technical documentation
• Support product testing, qualification, and transition into production

Qualifications:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Experience in product development, design engineering, project engineering, or a related field
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and coordinate engineering activities
• Experience developing 3D models and 2D drawings, with SolidWorks preferred
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation
• Ability to understand and apply customer requirements and government/military specifications
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and technical decision-making skills
• Strong time management and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must have or be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aerospace and defense industry experience
• Experience with product development, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of explosive materials, energetic devices, or related aerospace/defense systems
• Experience developing test requirements and procedures
• Knowledge of dynamic testing, including shock, sinusoidal vibration, and random vibration
• Experience applying GD&T to manufacturing, inspection, and cost considerations
• Experience performing tolerance analyses for assembly and system integration
• Experience with ANSYS, SolidWorks, and MS Project
• Experience supporting product qualification and production readiness

Why Join?

• Lead meaningful aerospace and defense product development programs
• Work across the full product lifecycle from concept through production
• Collaborate directly with customers, suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering teams
• Take ownership of technically challenging projects and complex design requirements
• Gain exposure to advanced testing, prototyping, qualification, and production processes
• Make a direct impact on the development and delivery of mission-critical products