Lead Development Engineer, Defense Systems

Ensign-Bickford Industries; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is seeking a Development Engineer to lead product development from concept through production for defense systems. The role supports energetic components and warhead solutions, with responsibilities spanning modeling, calculations, risk reduction, and validation.

You will interact with customers and suppliers, perform design trade studies, and manage documentation and approvals.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in engineering with chemical or mechanical emphasis.
• Experience in defense/aerospace product design.
• Ability to apply customer and military specs to designs.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling and 2D drawings (SolidWorks preferred).
• Knowledge of GD&T and part cost/manufacturing impact.
• Clear written, verbal and presentation skills for customers and management.
• U.S. DoD security clearance or ability to obtain one.
• U.S. citizen or naturalized to work on DoD/ITAR products.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (CT facility).

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead on projects from concept to production.
• Develop energetic components and systems meeting requirements.
• Create 3D models and perform design trade studies and hand calculations.
• Coordinate with customers on design details and interfaces.
• Work with suppliers to prototype parts and reduce risk.
• Perform problem solving, root cause analysis and failure investigations.
• Generate and flow down requirements; manage technical tasks.
• Ensure cost estimating and documentation for proposals and programs.
• Lead projects through development life cycle and ensure manufacturing viability.
• Collaborate with other departments to finalize documentation and approvals.

Skills

3D modeling

2D drawings

GD&T

problem solving

root cause analysis

communication skills

security clearance eligibility

US citizen

travel up to 50%

Education

BS/MS in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

MS Project

MS Office

Job description

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is seeking a Development Engineer to lead product development from concept through production for defense systems. The role supports energetic components and warhead solutions, with responsibilities spanning modeling, calculations, risk reduction, and validation.

You will interact with customers and suppliers, perform design trade studies, and manage documentation and approvals.