Small Uncrewed Engines Development Systems Model Leader

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Small Uncrewed Engines Development Systems Model Leader based in United States.

This is a senior engineering leadership role focused on the development and integration of advanced propulsion systems for small uncrewed applications. You will serve as the primary technical owner for an assigned engine model, guiding architecture, design integration, performance, and qualification. The role brings together systems engineering, propulsion design, program execution, and customer engagement. You will lead cross-functional teams through complex development programs, from early concepts through production readiness. The position offers the opportunity to influence critical propulsion technologies while balancing performance, cost, weight, schedule, and technical risk. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, testing, program teams, and government or industry partners. This is an in-person position with limited remote flexibility and periodic travel to customer or partner locations.

Accountabilities: Own the overall technical direction and accountability for an assigned engine model, including system architecture, design integration, performance, qualification, and technical decision-making across engine modules and systems.

Lead systems engineering activities, including customer requirements interpretation, requirements allocation, derived requirements, design specifications, traceability, interface management, verification planning, and requirements changes.

Drive integration across turbomachinery, mechanical systems, controls, accessories, and other engine modules while leading system-level trade studies to optimize performance, weight, cost, and technical risk.

Lead program execution by coordinating Integrated Product Team activities, schedules, risks and opportunities, Earned Value Management, and cross-functional work spanning design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and quality.

Develop and execute development and qualification strategies from concept through production, including build plans and test campaigns, while coordinating qualification activities against applicable military requirements and standards.

Act as the primary technical interface for government customers and weapon-system integrators, leading technical reviews, program reviews, and technical interchange meetings and maintaining trusted customer relationships.

Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and coaching to multidisciplinary engineering teams, encouraging collaboration, technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Contribute to affordability initiatives, cost and risk optimization, and other activities that improve the competitiveness and execution of propulsion programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.

At least 10 years of experience in propulsion system development, turbomachinery design, or aerospace systems engineering, or 15 years of experience demonstrating leadership of major propulsion programs.

Proven experience leading propulsion systems or major subsystems from concept development through qualification.

Strong knowledge of gas turbine engine design, performance, operability, integration, scaling, and adaptation of baseline propulsion architectures.

Demonstrated systems engineering expertise, particularly in requirements management, interface control, system integration, and verification planning.

Strong program management capabilities, including schedule, risk, cost, and execution management, with experience working across multiple engineering disciplines.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence customers, executives, technical specialists, and geographically distributed teams.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and provide clear technical direction amid complex development challenges.

U.S. citizenship is required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Experience with small uncrewed engines, expendable or limited-life propulsion systems, military weapon-system development, or related applications is highly valued.

A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Additional valuable expertise includes engine performance modeling, cycle analysis, thermodynamic optimization, turbomachinery aerodynamics, structural analysis, MBSE tools such as CAMEO Systems Modeler, military qualification standards, cost modeling, EVM, Lean Six Sigma, and technical or program leadership on major aerospace initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Opportunity to lead next-generation propulsion programs supporting critical government and national-security applications.

Exposure to advanced propulsion technologies and innovative development approaches for small uncrewed and expendable engine applications.

Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams and technical experts across complex aerospace programs.

Full-time, primarily in-person work environment with limited remote flexibility to support work-life balance.

Periodic travel to customer or partner sites, approximately every five weeks for 2–3 days.

Relocation assistance is available.

Comprehensive healthcare coverage and programs supporting physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.

Retirement savings benefits, including a 401(k) plan with matching and employer retirement contributions.

Access to health coaching, employee assistance resources, and financial planning support.

Additional benefits may include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time off.

Eligibility to work with U.S. export-controlled information is subject to applicable U.S. Person requirements.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1