Sr Principal Chief Engineer Sr Principal Chief Engineer

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the technical direction and execution of all engineering aspects on a program, including design, development, implementation, integration, testing, and delivery of products.
• Serve as the senior technical leader for the program engineering team, providing technical advice and acting as delegate to the program manager.
• Ensure all engineering teams follow sound engineering processes in accordance with company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain oversight of technical activities within program's Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and promote best engineering practices across the company.
• Perform systems engineering and program management roles as necessary.
• Set a vision, build a high-performing team, and lead with courage and resilience.
• Engage with customers, guide technical specifications, and support proposal development with technical input and risk assessments.
• Lead architecture trade studies, early technical interactions, and communicate customer goals.
• Support program setup, initial start, and milestone reviews, including SRR, architecture review, and requirements review.
• Oversee design evolution, technical risk mitigation, and manufacturability considerations.
• Provide guidance on technical issues, resolve conflicts, and ensure technical requirements are met within cost and schedule constraints.
• Mentor junior engineers and share lessons learned across the value stream.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 9+ years of related technical experience, or Master's degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), Technical Lead, IPT Lead, or similar engineering leadership role.
• Broad experience across multiple engineering disciplines including design, analysis, materials, manufacturing, and testing.
• Technical proficiency in materials testing, metals, fiber reinforced composites, failure mechanisms, and applications.
• Experience with discrepancy resolution, Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA), Material Review Boards (MRB), and Failure Review Boards (FRB).
• Knowledge of FAA, FAR, and DoD requirements and programs.
• Experience in designing and analyzing aircraft structural and/or mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with RF electrical properties, RF analysis, and test techniques.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Familiarity with ceramic materials and high-temperature applications.
• Experience with design and analysis software tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, NX, Teamcenter, LS Dyna.
• Experience with cost account management (CAM).
• Current, active DoD Secret clearance with recent background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Top-Secret security clearance and SCI access.
• Experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and foreign customers.
• Ability to leverage enterprise experience to resolve technical issues and attract new business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 9+ years of experience or Master's degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience in engineering leadership roles such as SME, Technical Lead, or IPT Lead.
• Broad experience across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience with mission-critical systems design, testing, and deployment.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range of $137,400 to $206,000, with potential for overtime, shift differentials, and bonuses.
• Annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.
• Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director roles.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plans, paid holidays, and PTO.