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Head of Engineering - UAV

Job in California, Moniteau County, Missouri, 65018, USA
Listing for: Fruition Group
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-01-12
Job specializations:
  • Engineering
    Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics, Systems Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists, Electrical Engineering
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 125000 - 150000 USD Yearly USD 125000.00 150000.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Location: California

Head of Engineering - UAV to lead and scale the multidisciplinary organization developing UAV and hybrid-electric aircraft programs. This leader will define engineering strategy, own system architecture, and ensure high-quality execution from concept through flight testing and certification. The role requires someone who can balance rapid iteration with rigorous aerospace processes while building a high-performing, mission-driven engineering team.

Responsibilities
  • Build, lead, and mentor a world-class multidisciplinary engineering team across aircraft, propulsion, avionics, and systems.
  • Define the engineering strategy and roadmap from concept development through certification and production.
  • Own system architecture, requirements management, verification/validation planning, and cross-team technical integration.
  • Establish scalable engineering processes balancing fast iteration with compliance to industry and regulatory standards (e.g., ARP
    4754B, DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).
  • Oversee flight test readiness, design reviews, design-for-safety, and design-for-manufacture efforts.
  • Drive root-cause analysis, design improvements, and continuous refinement through rapid prototyping and iterative testing.
  • Partner closely with Product, Certification, Programs, and Operations teams to align technical execution with business milestones.
  • Represent engineering with customers, suppliers, regulators, and senior leadership.
  • Support hiring, organizational planning, and scaling of the engineering department as programs mature.
Requirements
  • Master’s degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of engineering leadership experience developing complex hardware–software aerospace systems.
  • Proven track record taking aircraft, UAVs, or advanced mobility systems from concept through flight test—and ideally toward certification.
  • Deep familiarity with systems engineering, safety-critical processes, and compliance frameworks (ARP
    4754B, DO-160, DO-178C, DO-254).
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams in fast-paced technical environments.
  • Strong understanding of propulsion, controls, avionics, and aircraft system integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to own technical decisions, drive execution, and deliver against aggressive milestones.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with hybrid-electric or electric propulsion, eVTOL/eSTOL platforms, or advanced air mobility aircraft.
  • Leadership experience in a regulated aerospace environment (Part 21/23/27/29 or emerging eVTOL certification).
  • Experience building engineering organizations and scaling teams during rapid growth phases.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills for solving complex technical challenges.
  • Track record of delivering mission-critical, production-ready aerospace systems in cross-functional teams.
Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full-time

Industries

Airlines and Aviation and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

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