Chief Engineer

• Pay or shift range: $150,000 USD to $200,000 USD.

  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Janicki Industries is an innovative, family‑owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries.
We are looking for a Chief Engineer to join our growing team.

This position is located on‑site in Hamilton, Washington State.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Chief Engineer is responsible for providing senior technical leadership across engineering programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, quality standards, and organizational goals. This role guides multidisciplinary teams through complex engineering challenges, oversees the execution of technical deliverables, and drives continuous improvement in engineering practices. The Chief Engineer ensures engineering excellence and innovation while fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

This role demands a hands‑on, self‑motivated, and highly intelligent professional who thrives in a dynamic, evolving engineering environment. Success in this position requires exceptional strategic thinking, strong business acumen, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with key stakeholders.

The following essential job functions are performed as a Chief Engineer:

• Serve as the primary technical authority for assigned engineering programs and initiatives.
• Lead and direct multidisciplinary engineering teams through all phases of product development, from concept through manufacturing and delivery.
• Interpret and validate engineering documentation, specifications, and drawings.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, procurement, and program management to ensure successful product realization.
• Provide oversight on parts lists, three‑dimensional models, drawing release, and engineering change documentation.
• Promote best practices in design for manufacturability and design for assembly.
• Coordinate technical reviews, product verification and validation activities, and resolve technical issues throughout the product lifecycle.
• Maintain a focus on continuous improvement, technical excellence, and adherence to industry and internal standards.
• Monitor and report key technical performance indicators, identifying and reducing technical risks proactively.
• Support customer communications and resolve engineering‑related concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Undertake and manage special projects of varying sizes and complexities, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope.
• Provide executive support with minimal guidance, managing priorities, scheduling, and delegating tasks when necessary.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and strict confidentiality.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support organizational success.

• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and require candidate agreement to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.
• A minimum of ten years of engineering experience in relevant industries, including at least five years in a senior or principal engineering role.
• Expertise in leading complex engineering or business projects, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and ensuring timely execution and stakeholder alignment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical integration, structural design, and applicable industry standards.
• Proficiency in three‑dimensional computer‑aided design tools such as CATIA,…