Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer - Lead Aerospace Programs

Moog Inc; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Moog Inc in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership across concept through sustainment for advanced propulsion products. You will guide technology strategy, ensure product integrity, and lead multidisciplinary teams in a highly visible, regulated environment.

The role demands a strong engineering background, 10+ years in aerospace/defense programs, and the ability to mentor staff while collaborating with customers and leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including significant experience leading complex aerospace, defense, propulsion, or electromechanical systems programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in product development, system design, qualification, verification, and lifecycle support for highly engineered systems.
• Proven ability to serve as a technical authority and influence engineering decisions across organizations.
• Experience developing technology strategies, product roadmaps, and long-term engineering plans.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and design assurance processes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex technical challenges.
• Track record of balancing technical, schedule, cost, and customer requirements in a regulated environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively with engineers, customers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Experience with aerospace and defense industry standards, product qualification processes, and mission-critical system development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required.
• Preferred: Master's degree; recognized propulsion/actuation/controls expertise; Chief Engineer/Lead Systems Engineer experience; customer-facing experience; active clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for propulsion system products and programs across development, production, and sustainment activities.
• Be accountable for product integrity throughout the entire product lifecycle, including research and development, customer-funded programs, production, and aftermarket support.
• Lead technical execution of large, complex engineering programs involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Partner with business and engineering leadership to develop and execute technology roadmaps and long-term product strategies.
• Ensure compliance with Moog engineering processes, industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Own and approve technical content, design decisions, qualification activities, and engineering deliverables associated with product development programs.
• Delegate technical authority where appropriate while maintaining accountability for technical decisions affecting product performance, reliability, safety, and quality.
• Provide final technical disposition and decision-making support for production, sustainment, and field issues, including notices of escape and corrective actions.
• Lead internal technical reviews and development assurance activities to ensure product readiness and risk reduction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, program management, and customer teams.
• Act as a trusted technical partner and subject matter expert for customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, product development methodologies, and technical standards.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent while promoting Moog’s values and technical excellence culture.
• Balance technical risk, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and customer requirements to achieve successful program outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Product development

System design

Lifecycle support

Technology strategy

Roadmaps

Engineering planning

Requirements management

Risk management

Design assurance

Team leadership

Program management

Communication

Presentation

Mentoring

A&D standards

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering or related

Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Moog Inc in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership across concept through sustainment for advanced propulsion products. You will guide technology strategy, ensure product integrity, and lead multidisciplinary teams in a highly visible, regulated environment.

The role demands a strong engineering background, 10+ years in aerospace/defense programs, and the ability to mentor staff while collaborating with customers and leadership.