Head of Engineering

Role Summary

This position leads, mentors, and grows a high‑performing engineering team responsible for the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced mechanical components and assemblies for Hera Technologies’ industry‑leading thermal protection systems (TPS). Operating at a senior leadership level, the Head of Engineering will drive operational excellence by managing team schedules, resource allocation, and department KPIs, while overseeing the full lifecycle from concept through production scalability.

The role requires close, strategic partnership with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to champion company‑wide initiatives, support business development through technical proposals and SOW generation, and ensure strict compliance with aerospace and defense standards. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of deep technical expertise in advanced materials, composites, and ruggedized hardware, paired with a proven track record of scaling manufacturing processes, enforcing rigorous quality controls, and fostering engineering talent.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing engineering team, driving recruitment, hiring, and onboarding initiatives while managing resource allocation, team schedules, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational excellence.
• Direct the design, development, and manufacturing of mechanical components and assemblies for Hera’s industry‑leading thermal protection systems (TPS), including soft goods, composites, and engineered surface finishes.
• Partner closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to champion company‑wide initiatives and implement scalable manufacturing and assembly processes that guarantee quality, efficiency, and strict compliance with aerospace and defense standards.
• Hands‑on support of existing programs/projects, technical proposals, cost estimations, and statement of work (SOW) generation to support business development and capture new program opportunities in thermal protection systems and critical aerospace structures.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and enforcement of rigorous process documentation and controls to ensure consistent production outcomes and optimize throughput across the design, prototyping, and manufacturing life cycles.
• Champion the adoption of traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques for metallics, composites, and high‑temperature materials, ensuring performance, durability, and production scalability.
• Drive high‑level root cause analyses to investigate material failures, process anomalies, and manufacturing defects, leading the implementation of permanent corrective actions across both development and production phases.

• 8+ years of mechanical design and manufacturing experience, with a proven track record of managing engineering teams and technical programs focused on metallics, composites, and thermal protection systems (TPS).
• Demonstrated experience hiring, mentoring, and leading high‑performing engineering teams, including establishing team schedules, managing resource allocation, and tracking KPIs to drive operational success.
• Proven leadership in directing major engineering projects from concept through production, involving mechanical systems, softgoods, and polymer‑based components in the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Deep technical expertise in thermal protection systems, composite manufacturing processes, material properties, and relevant aerospace testing standards, with the ability to provide detailed‑level engineering guidance.
• Experience supporting business development initiatives, including assisting with technical proposals, cost estimations, and statements of work (SOW).
• Strong background overseeing the creation of manufacturing and build plans, rigorous process documentation, and quality controls to ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards.
• Strategic understanding of CAD workflows, advanced prototyping, and fabrication techniques (such as machining, composite layups, and bonding) to effectively manage engineering throughput.
• Deep knowledge and experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems…