Vice President of Engineering

Kearfott Corporation; Pine Brook (NJ); On-site; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Kearfott Corporation, a long‑standing aerospace and defense supplier, seeks a Vice President of Engineering to guide the engineering function and deliver mission‑critical systems. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, set technical standards, and manage budgets and partnerships to meet strict regulatory and performance requirements.

This senior role requires a proven track record in aerospace engineering leadership, DoD standards familiarity, and the ability to drive innovation while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership in aerospace/defense.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience with high-reliability defense electronics and systems lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engineering strategy aligned with mission and standards.
• Lead design, development, testing, and sustainment of aerospace systems.
• Establish and enforce engineering standards and safety/compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Risk management

Vendor management

Program oversight

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering or MBA (preferred)

Job description

Vice President of Engineering

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected, and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class workforce. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected worldwide as a ‘full-service’ provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Role Overview

This role leads the engineering function to deliver mission-critical systems, products, and technologies that meet stringent technical, regulatory, and operational requirements. This role blends deep technical expertise with executive leadership to drive innovation, ensure compliance, and deliver on program objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the engineering strategy aligned with the company's mission, product roadmap, and defense/aerospace industry standards.
• Program Oversight: Lead interdisciplinary design, development, testing, and sustainment of aerospace and defense systems, including hypersonic, UAV, satellite, or mission systems.
• Technical Standards & Compliance: Establish and enforce engineering standards, design practices, and quality controls to meet regulatory and safety requirements.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing engineering team, including technical leads, systems engineers, and specialists.
• Budget & Resource Management: Manage multi-million-dollar engineering budgets, forecasting, and cost control; allocate resources effectively.
• Technology & Innovation: Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools, and infrastructure to improve performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product, program, and business leaders to align engineering deliverables with strategic goals.
• Risk & Compliance: Oversee disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and compliance planning for defense and aerospace programs.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and external partners to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related discipline) required. Master's degree in Engineering and/or MBA preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within the aerospace and defense industry, including demonstrated executive leadership developing and delivering complex, high-reliability aerospace and defense electronic systems. Experience including mission-critical avionics, inertial navigation, guidance, sensing, and precision electro-mechanical products supporting airborne, ground, maritime, missile, and space applications, highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of complex defense electronics, embedded hardware and software, systems engineering, electronics integration, and full product lifecycle development from concept through production and sustainment. Experience with aerospace and defense standards including DO-178C, DO-254, AS9100, CMMI, MIL-STDs, ITAR, and other applicable U.S. Government contracting requirements.
• Product Development: Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations through the complete product lifecycle, including technology development, customer-funded programs, qualification, certification, production transition, manufacturing support, and product sustainment.
• Manufacturing Partnership: Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve producibility, quality, reliability, and operational performance while supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), production transition, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership, customers, and government stakeholders while effectively leading multidisciplinary organizations through growth and organizational change.
• Analytical & Strategic Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish engineering strategy, assess technical and programmatic risk, prioritize technology investments, and make sound business decisions that balance technical excellence, customer requirements, schedule, cost and customer satisfaction.
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.
• Travel 25% to 40%

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Guidance & Navigation systems, Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), precision motion control, or other high-reliability aerospace and defense products.
• Experience supporting airborne, missile, ground vehicle, maritime, or space programs.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), New Product Introduction (NPI), and Independent Research & Development (IRAD).
• Experience supporting both development and production engineering organizations within a highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $275,000 - $325,000 annually. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as the final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Additionally, we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans