Demo

Chief Engineer - Aerospace

Gables Search Group
West Hartford, CT Full Time
POSTED ON 9/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/26/2026
We are seeking an accomplished Chief Engineer to lead the development of advanced aerospace systems from concept through flight validation and production.

As the organization's senior technical authority, you will define the engineering vision, lead multidisciplinary teams, and oversee every phase of product development—from architecture and detailed design to system integration, testing, and deployment. This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to influence next-generation aerospace technologies supporting demanding commercial and government applications.

You Will Be Responsible For ...

  • Lead complete aerospace development programs from concept through flight testing and production.
  • Define system architecture, technical strategy, and product development roadmaps.
  • Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams across aerospace, mechanical, electrical, avionics, flight controls, propulsion, systems engineering, manufacturing, and test.
  • Lead the design, integration, and validation of advanced autonomous aerospace platforms and their supporting systems.
  • Oversee airframe development, aircraft systems integration, flight controls, aerodynamics, propulsion integration, and mission-critical subsystems.
  • Guide prototype development, ground testing, flight testing, verification, and validation.
  • Establish engineering processes including design reviews, configuration management, technical risk assessment, and product quality standards.
  • Serve as the principal technical interface with customers, government agencies, suppliers, and strategic partners.
  • Mentor engineering leaders while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence.

You Will Need The Following In This Role ...

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree preferred.
  • 15 years of progressive aerospace engineering experience with increasing technical leadership responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated success leading the development of advanced aircraft, autonomous aerial systems, or unmanned aerospace platforms from concept through flight testing and production.
  • Strong expertise in aircraft design, airframe development, systems integration, aerodynamics, flight controls, and flight test.
  • Experience integrating propulsion, avionics, electrical power, communications, navigation, sensors, and other mission-critical systems into complete aircraft.
  • Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations and complex aerospace development programs.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering, verification and validation, configuration management, and aerospace development processes.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.

We Would Prefer You Have...

  • Experience developing autonomous aerospace systems or unmanned aircraft for highly regulated or mission-critical applications.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense or other government-funded aerospace programs.
  • Familiarity with FAA or military airworthiness requirements.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and AS9100 quality systems.

Come Join Us Because ...

This is an opportunity to lead the development of innovative aerospace technologies with significant technical ownership and influence. You'll work alongside a highly skilled engineering team solving complex technical challenges while helping shape the future of advanced autonomous flight systems.

Salary.com Estimation for Chief Engineer - Aerospace in West Hartford, CT
$295,490 to $388,235
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