Chief Engineer

Our client is currently seeking a Chief / Lead Engineer to serve as the senior technical authority across advanced aviation and mission system integration programs. The role will lead the development of airborne counter-UAS capabilities and the integration of mission systems onto rotary wing aircraft platforms, ensuring all systems are technically robust, operationally effective and airworthy.

This is a hands‑on leadership position requiring deep expertise in aircraft modification, FAA certification, mission systems integration and cross‑functional engineering leadership within aerospace or defence environments.

• Lead all engineering activities relating to aircraft modification, mission system integration and airborne counter‑UAS capability development.
• Define and execute certification strategies, including FAA STC processes, DER coordination, airworthiness compliance and flight test activities.
• Oversee integration of sensors, avionics, ISR systems and mission equipment, ensuring compliance with structural, electrical and operational requirements.
• Provide technical oversight of external engineering partners, suppliers and integration firms, reviewing designs, analysis and test results.
• Establish engineering standards, requirements management, configuration control and verification processes across programmes.
• Build and lead internal engineering capability across systems, structural and mission systems engineering disciplines.
• Support flight test, validation and operational deployment activities while balancing innovation, speed and certification rigor.

• 12+ years’ experience within aerospace, aviation or defence engineering environments.
• Prior experience as a Chief Engineer, Lead Engineer or Principal Systems Engineer on aircraft modification or mission systems programmes.
• Strong expertise in FAA certification processes, including STC approvals, DER coordination and airworthiness compliance.
• Experience with aircraft integration, avionics, electrical systems and structural modification activities.
• Working knowledge of ISR systems, RF/radar/EO-IR payload integration or counter‑UAS technologies.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience overseeing both internal teams and external engineering partners.
• Rotary wing aircraft, military airworthiness and airborne mission systems experience would be highly advantageous.