Chief Engineer, Fury Advanced Development & Prototyping

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Lead Prototype Execution: Own the end-to-end technical execution of building first-article and prototype autonomous aircraft, leading the team from part fabrication to a fully integrated, flight-ready vehicle.
• Hands-On Problem Solving: Serve as the lead technical problem-solver on the factory floor, driving root cause analysis and implementing rapid solutions for issues in manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work directly with the conceptual design team to provide critical DFM feedback, ensuring the aircraft is not just performant but also buildable, testable, and scalable.
• Oversee Fabrication & Assembly: Lead the fabrication, assembly, and integration of complex airframe structures, propulsion systems, avionics, and flight control hardware.
• Manage Build & Test Integration: Develop and execute the plan for system integration, ground testing, and final vehicle checkout in preparation for flight test.
• Build and Lead an Elite Team: Lead and mentor a small, high-performing team of "doers"—engineers and technicians who thrive on building cutting-edge hardware.
• Supplier & Partner Integration: Direct the technical interface with key suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure hardware is delivered on time and to spec.

Job requirements

• A proven track record of leading the hands-on build and integration of a new, complex aircraft or aerospace vehicle.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in manufacturing and prototyping, including composite fabrication, metallic structures, systems installation, and vehicle assembly.
• Demonstrated experience taking a vehicle from detailed design release, through a first-article build, and into a successful test campaign.
• Experience leading small, agile, multi-disciplinary engineering and technician teams in a rapid development environment.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical/aerospace structures and systems integration.
• Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and resolving real-time production issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.