Chief Engineer - Defence Aerospace

Are you an accomplished engineering leader with a passion for aerospace innovation, technical excellence, and program delivery? Do you thrive in complex, multidisciplinary environments where technology, leadership, and business objectives come together?
We are looking for an experienced  Chief Engineer  to join our Defence Engineering & Technology organization in the Netherlands. In this highly visible leadership role, you will be responsible for the overall technical execution and engineering performance of complex aerospace and defence programs, ensuring the successful delivery of innovative, airworthy, and cost-effective solutions.
As a member of the Program Core Team, you will work closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial teams to drive program success from concept development through certification and product realization.
Your impact  As Chief Engineer, you are the technical authority and engineering leader within the program. You will define the technical strategy, lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, manage technical risks, and ensure that program objectives are achieved in terms of performance, quality, schedule, cost, and certification. You will play a pivotal role in turning complex customer requirements into world-class aerospace solutions while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence, safety, and airworthiness.

Key Responsibilities   Lead Engineering Excellence
Lead all engineering activities across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility studies through development, certification, and product maturity.
Deliver innovative and competitive technical solutions that meet customer expectations and business objectives.
Ensure compliance with airworthiness, certification, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Serve as the primary technical authority within the program.
Drive Program Performance
Establish and maintain the Project Engineering Plan (PEP) and Engineering Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
Manage engineering scope, schedule, cost, and resource requirements.
Implement engineering planning, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms, including Earned Value Management (EVM).
Identify technical risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
Lead corrective actions when deviations occur in performance, schedule, or budget.
Ensure Airworthiness & Certification
Develop and maintain certification plans and compliance documentation.
Support and execute delegated airworthiness responsibilities.
Lead technical investigations and corrective actions resulting from in-service events, incidents, or technical findings.
Ensure products meet all applicable certification and qualification requirements.
Lead and Inspire Teams
Provide operational leadership to Engineering Team Leads, Technical Project Leads, and Engineers.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
Coach and mentor engineering professionals, supporting their growth and development.
Ensure effective deployment of engineering resources across programs and priorities.
Engage Customers and Stakeholders
Act as the primary technical focal point for customers and strategic partners.
Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
Support business development activities by demonstrating engineering capability and identifying new opportunities.
Collaborate closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial teams to achieve optimal program outcomes.
Drive Continuous Improvement
Lead major design reviews, including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
Promote best practices, process improvements, lessons learned, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
Contribute to the ongoing development of engineering tools, methodologies, and standards.
What you bring to be successful   Essential Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience, preferably within aerospace, defence, or a highly regulated industry.
Strong track record leading complex multidisciplinary engineering programs.
Broad technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines.

Experience with certification, airworthiness, and product compliance processes.
Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence stakeholders without direct…