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Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing advanced supersonic aircraft and propulsion systems, including their proprietary Duality™ dual-use propulsion system. The company is focused on democratizing high-speed flight while supporting U.S. defense applications.
As Chief Engineer, Defense, you will serve as the top technical authority for aircraft development in direct support of military programs. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the integrity, performance, and successful delivery of aircraft across all engineering disciplines.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drive technical development across all subsystems (propulsion, aerostructures, avionics, flight controls, thermal management, systems integration) to achieve performance, safety, and mission objectives
- Serve as the final engineering authority on design decisions, ensuring configuration control and technical baseline integrity
- Translate defense customer and mission requirements into engineering specifications with full traceability through design, test, and verification
- Identify, track, and mitigate technical risks; lead root-cause investigations for critical issues
- Align engineering, manufacturing, quality, flight test, and program management teams around a unified technical plan
- Mentor and develop a high-performing engineering organization, fostering technical excellence and accountability
- Guide analysis, ground test, and flight test campaigns to validate performance and support certification milestones
- Communicate proactively with internal teams and external stakeholders (customers, defense agencies, suppliers, regulatory bodies) on technical developments and challenges
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
- 10+ years of aircraft design and development experience with significant flight vehicle work
- Prior experience supporting defense or military aerospace programs with familiarity of defense acquisition processes
- Demonstrated ownership of technical, schedule, and cost outcomes on complex aerospace programs
- Deep knowledge of aircraft systems integration (propulsion, structures, aerodynamics, avionics)
- Strong track record engaging with government customers, prime contractors, or defense agencies
- U.S. citizenship required; Secret Clearance required, Top Secret desired
- Experience with modern tactical mission systems integrations and architectures
- Familiarity with MIL-STD and DoD airworthiness certification processes
- Experience leading engineering teams through early-stage (pre-production/prototype) development
The company operates with a flat structure emphasizing engineering excellence, pragmatism, and fast execution. Five-day-in-office presence is expected to foster collaboration and company culture.
