Deputy Chief Engineer

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Full Time Minnesota FLM St Paul, MN, US

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated Deputy Chief Engineer to join our team, focusing on the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities. This role serves as a technical leader who works closely with the Program Chief Engineer and serves as a key interface between the engineering team, project manager, subcontractors, and the customer. This role supports the Chief Engineer on technical integrity, safety, and delivery of complex wind tunnel systems.

The Deputy Chief Engineer will coordinate with other technical leaders and establish priorities for engineering activities and a framework for the team’s execution in areas including requirement generation and management, interface development and management, risk management and technical margin assessments, configuration management, and verification and validation efforts. A successful candidate can engage in multidisciplinary problem‑solving as part of a diverse team in a fast‑paced design and build environment.

This position involves fostering Systems Engineering methodologies to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of advanced hypersonic test systems. The ideal candidate will have strong technical leadership experience, domain expertise, and a keen interest in hypersonic technologies.

Responsibilities:

Hypersonic Test Facility Design and Integration:

• Facilitate design, development, and optimization activities for test facilities for wind tunnel systems.
• Receive tasking at a high level from the Project Manager and Chief Engineer with minimal day‑to‑day guidance.
• Integrate advanced hypersonic testing methodologies, equipment, and systems into facility design and operation.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, controls and software engineers) to ensure test facilities meet all functional and operational requirements.
• Delegate responsibility to ensure compliance with requirements and contract deliverables.
• Synthesize technical risks throughout the lifecycle of the project and present how these represent project or financial risks to the project manager, management, and the end user.

Technical Oversight:

• Develop and manage integration of test facility systems including structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical components, to enhance decision‑making and performance validation.
• Own system baseline with the Chief Engineer throughout the course of a program.
• Lead or assist Engineering Review Board meetings to drive consistency and quality in deliverables while driving the appropriate technical rigor for the program
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies for cost, schedule, and safety.
• Support development and execution of knowledge point plans.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Drive completion and act as responsible reviewer of comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review and drive necessary changes in programmatic…