Principal Engineering Leader: Aerospace & Defense Systems

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) is seeking a Principal Engineering Manager to lead the Principal Engineering Organization and elevate technical capability across Engineering. You will mentor senior engineers, define succession plans, and ensure rigorous problem‑solving and safety practices across product development.

You will partner with Development, Systems, Chief Engineering, Operations, and customers to balance manufacturability, reliability, and safety in high‑consequence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or another relevant technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace/defense or similarly demanding products.
• Experience leading, coaching, developing and holding senior engineers accountable, including succession and capability development.
• Strong technical credibility across the product‑development lifecycle, from design to production.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary resolution of complex technical problems using structured, data‑driven methods.
• Track record of improving engineering standards, design practices, reviews, or development processes.
• Sound technical judgment to challenge assumptions, evaluate risk, and guide decisions with incomplete information.
• Strong influence and communication skills to align technical experts with business leaders and customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Principal Engineering team with clear expectations and accountability.
• Strengthen problem‑solving and safety capability by applying EBAD’s methodology and conducting rigorous reviews.
• Improve technical capability by closing systemic gaps across the product development lifecycle and standardizing practices.
• Provide senior technical judgment on complex engineering challenges and ensure multidisciplinary engagement.
• Collaborate with Development, Systems, Operations, and Leadership to align technical decisions with manufacturability and customer outcomes.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Structured problem-solving

Technical judgment

Influence & communication

Education

Engineering degree (B.S. or higher) in relevant field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) is seeking a Principal Engineering Manager to lead the Principal Engineering Organization and elevate technical capability across Engineering. You will mentor senior engineers, define succession plans, and ensure rigorous problem‑solving and safety practices across product development.

You will partner with Development, Systems, Chief Engineering, Operations, and customers to balance manufacturability, reliability, and safety in high‑consequence