Chief Engineer - Aerospace and Defense - LiquidPiston

LiquidPiston • Suffield, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

LiquidPiston is an advanced propulsion technology company developing compact, high-efficiency engine and power system solutions for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. Built around a patented rotary engine architecture, LiquidPiston is challenging conventional approaches to propulsion by delivering smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient systems for next-generation platforms. This is an opportunity to join a team working on technology with the potential to fundamentally change how power is delivered in aerospace and defense applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience within aerospace, propulsion, defense, or advanced energy systems.
• Extensive experience developing propulsion systems for eVTOL, hybrid-electric aircraft, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Strong understanding of propulsion integration with airframe, flight controls, avionics, and power management systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering, design verification, validation, flight testing, and product certification processes.
• Experience managing government-funded R&D programs, including the Department of Defense and related agencies.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Strong project management, and organizational leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical vision, architecture, and engineering execution for aerospace propulsion programs.
• Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, electrical, power systems, and testing.
• Define system requirements, technical roadmaps, and development milestones for advanced propulsion solutions.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle from concept development to prototyping, validation, certification support, manufacturing, and field deployment.
• Serve as the principal technical authority for customer engagements, government programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Drive the sizing, development and integration of advanced propulsion systems for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL), hybrid-electric aircraft, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
• Direct the design, testing, and validation of propulsion solutions optimized for hover, transition, and forward-flight performance.
• Integrate propulsion systems with flight controls, power management, avionics, and aircraft systems to achieve mission, performance, and reliability objectives.
• Guide engine integration for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), defense aviation, and next-generation aerospace platforms.
• Establish engineering standards, design review processes, risk management practices, and configuration control.
• Lead trade studies, system performance analyses, failure investigations, and continuous product improvements.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify new market opportunities and support proposal development for government and commercial contracts.
• Manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, defense organizations, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace partners.
• Mentor engineering leaders while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, quality, and safety standards.

Benefits

• PTO
• Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage
• Equity Participation (RSUs)
• 401(k) Match
• Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior