Head of Engineering - UAV

Fruition Group; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead the development of UAV and hybrid-electric aircraft programs. The ideal candidate will define the engineering strategy, manage system architecture, and mentor a multidisciplinary team to ensure quality execution from concept to certification. This position requires over 10 years of engineering leadership experience and a Master's degree in a relevant field. Experience in aerospace compliance and safety-critical processes is essential. Join us to drive innovation in aviation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience in complex hardware–software aerospace systems.
• Proven experience with aircraft, UAVs, or mobility systems through flight testing and certification.
• Experience in compliance with safety-critical processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Define engineering strategy from concept to certification.
• Own system architecture and manage requirements.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Systems engineering

Aerospace compliance

Team management

Technical decision-making

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering

Job description

Head of Engineering - UAV to lead and scale the multidisciplinary organization developing UAV and hybrid-electric aircraft programs. This leader will define engineering strategy, own system architecture, and ensure high-quality execution from concept through flight testing and certification. The role requires someone who can balance rapid iteration with rigorous aerospace processes while building a high-performing, mission-driven engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor a world-class multidisciplinary engineering team across aircraft, propulsion, avionics, and systems.
• Define the engineering strategy and roadmap from concept development through certification and production.
• Own system architecture, requirements management, verification/validation planning, and cross-team technical integration.
• Establish scalable engineering processes balancing fast iteration with compliance to industry and regulatory standards (e.g., ARP4754B, DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).
• Oversee flight test readiness, design reviews, design-for-safety, and design-for-manufacture efforts.
• Drive root-cause analysis, design improvements, and continuous refinement through rapid prototyping and iterative testing.
• Partner closely with Product, Certification, Programs, and Operations teams to align technical execution with business milestones.
• Represent engineering with customers, suppliers, regulators, and senior leadership.
• Support hiring, organizational planning, and scaling of the engineering department as programs mature.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience developing complex hardware–software aerospace systems.
• Proven track record taking aircraft, UAVs, or advanced mobility systems from concept through flight test—and ideally toward certification.
• Deep familiarity with systems engineering, safety-critical processes, and compliance frameworks (ARP4754B, DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams in fast-paced technical environments.
• Strong understanding of propulsion, controls, avionics, and aircraft system integration.
• Demonstrated ability to own technical decisions, drive execution, and deliver against aggressive milestones.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hybrid-electric or electric propulsion, eVTOL/eSTOL platforms, or advanced air mobility aircraft.
• Leadership experience in a regulated aerospace environment (Part 21/23/27/29 or emerging eVTOL certification).
• Experience building engineering organizations and scaling teams during rapid growth phases.
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills for solving complex technical challenges.
• Track record of delivering mission-critical, production-ready aerospace systems in cross-functional teams.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full-time

Industries

Airlines and Aviation and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing