Director/ VP of Engineering

Continuous Composites Inc•Coeur d Alene, ID

About The Position

At Continuous Composites Inc., we are redefining what is possible in advanced manufacturing. Our unique CF3D® technology for composite 3D printing opens new frontiers in Aerospace and Defense. We thrive on innovation, rapid iteration, and empowering every team member to take initiative and drive breakthrough solutions. Our mission is to transform industrial manufacturing through pioneering research, creative problem-solving, and relentless execution. We are looking for a Director/ VP of Engineering (DOE) to build and lead the engineering organization that can translate our company mission into critical real-world capabilities for Aerospace and Defense. This is a leadership position for a "builder" who can scale a world-class team from the ground up, move fast on hard problems. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the engineering function—hardware, software, and materials—and translate company vision into an executable roadmap that delivers CF3D® solutions for the most demanding applications in UAVs and hypersonics. You will build a high-performing engineering team from a small, talented nucleus, set the technical direction, and drive the pace. If you’ve been waiting for a role where technology is real, the mission is urgent, and you can shape everything from team culture to product architecture—this is it.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field; advanced degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) strongly preferred.
12+ years of progressive engineering experience with at least 5 years in leadership roles, building and scaling engineering teams in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated success in hardware product development—you have taken physical products from concept through design, test, qualification, and into production.
Proven ability to translate company strategy into engineering roadmaps and execute against them in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments.
Exceptional communication and leadership skills—you can inspire an engineering team, earn the confidence of defense customers, and hold your own in the boardroom.
Experience with DoW development programs, including customer interface, requirements development, TRL/MRL progression, and regulatory compliance.
A bias for action and comfort with ambiguity—you thrive in environments where you are building the playbook, not following one.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with high-temperature composites (CMC), hypersonic applications, or advanced thermal protection systems.
Background in additive manufacturing, automated fiber placement, or related advanced manufacturing processes for aerospace applications.
Experience leading engineering organizations in startup or early growth-stage companies where you built teams and processes from scratch.
Familiarity with carbon fiber materials, resin systems, and ceramic matrix composite processing.
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Build the Engineering Organization: Recruit, hire, and develop a world-class engineering team across mechanical, materials, software, and manufacturing disciplines. Set the hiring bar high, establish engineering culture from day one, and create an environment where exceptional engineers choose to stay and do their best work.
Own the Technical Roadmap: Translate the CEO’s strategic vision into a focused, prioritized engineering roadmap. Understand how to make hard technical and commercial trade-offs to maximize long-term technology development and customer value.
Drive Customer-Focused Development: Develop deep understanding of defense and aerospace customer requirements, particularly in hypersonics and UAV platforms. Ensure engineering decisions are driven by real-world application needs. Understand customer’s hardest problems and position CF3D® as the solution.
Communicate a Compelling Technical Vision: Articulate where CF3D® technology is going and why it matters—to your team, to customers, and to the broader defense ecosystem.
Accelerate Development Velocity: Establish engineering processes that prioritize speed without sacrificing rigor. Implement rapid iteration cycles, clear design review gates, and disciplined test-and-learn approaches.
Full-Stack Technology Ownership: Lead engineering across the entire CF3D® technology stack—print hardware, control software, materials development, and process engineering. Ensure tight integration across these domains and drive system-level thinking in an organization that builds machines, writes software, and develops materials simultaneously.
Program Execution & DoW Compliance: Ensure engineering teams deliver on DoW program commitments with the technical discipline these programs demand. Drive progression through Technology Readiness Levels and Manufacturing Readiness Levels. Maintain compliance with all relevant defense regulations, standards, and quality requirements.