Chief Design Engineer

Chief Engineer, Solid Rocket Propulsion

Location: CA, NV, AL, CO (Hybrid)

Salary: $153,615 - $220,000 + Incentive Plan

Relocation Assistance: May be available

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for a Chief Engineer, Solid Rocket Propulsion to lead the technical development and delivery of advanced propulsion systems supporting critical aerospace and national security programs.

This position is suited to an experienced engineering leader with a strong technical background in solid rocket motors, rocket boosters or solid propulsion systems , who wants to take ownership of complex engineering programs while remaining closely involved in the technology.

Unlike a traditional engineering management position, approximately 80% of this role is focused on technical and program engineering leadership , with the remaining responsibilities involving team management and mentoring.

You will serve as a senior technical authority, guiding engineering decisions, resolving complex challenges and leading multidisciplinary teams through system development, integration, testing and qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development, integration and qualification of solid rocket propulsion systems.
• Provide engineering leadership across solid rocket motors, rocket boosters and associated propulsion technologies.
• Own critical technical decisions, engineering trade studies, design reviews and complex problem-solving.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver against system performance, reliability, schedule and program requirements.
• Identify and manage technical risks throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• Oversee engineering schedules, milestones, technical resources and program execution.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, testing, quality and program management teams.
• Act as a senior technical point of contact for internal stakeholders and customers.
• Mentor and provide technical direction to engineers, including some line management responsibilities for a team of approximately 10.
• Support engineering process improvements, documentation and technical standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience , including substantial experience with solid rocket propulsion technologies.
• Direct technical experience with solid rocket motors, solid rocket boosters or solid propulsion systems .
• Strong understanding of propulsion system development, integration, testing and qualification.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex aerospace or defense engineering programs.
• Proven ability to make critical technical decisions and resolve challenging engineering problems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering activities and coordinating technical deliverables.
• Understanding of engineering schedules, technical risk, cost management and program milestones.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers and supporting engineering team development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Please note: Direct experience with solid rocket propulsion is essential. Candidates whose propulsion experience is exclusively with liquid systems will not meet the technical requirements of this position.