Chief Engineer

Our client, Liquid Piston is looking to identify a Chief Engineer, Aerospace to lead the development and commercialization of next-generation propulsion systems for advanced aerospace and defense applications.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced engineering executive who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments and has a passion for bringing cutting‑edge propulsion technologies from concept to production. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams while helping shape the company's long‑term technology strategy.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for advanced aerospace propulsion programs.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, controls, systems, manufacturing, and test engineering.
• Define system architecture, technical requirements, development roadmaps, and program milestones.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle, including concept development, prototyping, testing, validation, manufacturing, and product launch.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with customers, government agencies, and strategic partners.
• Lead the development and integration of propulsion systems for advanced aerospace platforms, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), VTOL/eVTOL aircraft, and hybrid‑electric propulsion applications.
• Guide propulsion integration with aircraft systems, including flight controls, avionics, electrical power management, and overall vehicle architecture.
• Drive system performance analysis, engineering trade studies, design reviews, risk mitigation, and continuous product improvement initiatives.
• Establish engineering best practices, design standards, configuration management, and technical review processes.
• Support business development efforts by providing technical leadership on customer proposals and government-funded programs.
• Build and mentor high‑performing engineering teams while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, defense, propulsion, or advanced energy systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations through the complete product development lifecycle.
• Extensive experience with propulsion systems for UAVs, UAS, VTOL, eVTOL, hybrid‑electric aircraft, or other advanced aerospace platforms.
• Strong understanding of propulsion integration with flight controls, avionics, aircraft electrical systems, and overall aircraft architecture.
• Experience with systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or other government-funded development programs is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.