Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer

Moog Inc. • Aurora, IL

7d • $200,000 - $240,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Space and Defense Group is seeking a Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle of advanced propulsion and actuation products. This is a highly visible role for an experienced engineering leader who will serve as the technical authority for critical programs, guide technology strategy, and ensure product integrity from concept development through production and sustainment. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including significant experience leading complex aerospace, defense, propulsion, or electromechanical systems programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in product development, system design, qualification, verification, and lifecycle support for highly engineered systems.
• Proven ability to serve as a technical authority and influence engineering decisions across organizations.
• Experience developing technology strategies, product roadmaps, and long-term engineering plans.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, requirements management, risk management, and design assurance processes.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex technical challenges.
• Track record of balancing technical, schedule, cost, and customer requirements in a regulated environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively with engineers, customers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Experience with aerospace and defense industry standards, product qualification processes, and mission-critical system development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Recognized subject matter expertise within propulsion, actuation, aerospace systems, controls, or related technologies.
• Experience serving as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Lead Systems Engineer, or equivalent technical leadership role.
• Prior customer-facing experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government programs.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for propulsion system products and programs across development, production, and sustainment activities.
• Be accountable for product integrity throughout the entire product lifecycle, including research and development, customer-funded programs, production, and aftermarket support.
• Lead technical execution of large, complex engineering programs involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Partner with business and engineering leadership to develop and execute technology roadmaps and long-term product strategies.
• Ensure compliance with Moog engineering processes, industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Own and approve technical content, design decisions, qualification activities, and engineering deliverables associated with product development programs.
• Delegate technical authority where appropriate while maintaining accountability for technical decisions affecting product performance, reliability, safety, and quality.
• Provide final technical disposition and decision-making support for production, sustainment, and field issues, including notices of escape and corrective actions.
• Lead internal technical reviews and development assurance activities to ensure product readiness and risk reduction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, program management, and customer teams.
• Act as a trusted technical partner and subject matter expert for customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering processes, product development methodologies, and technical standards.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent while promoting Moog's values and technical excellence culture.
• Balance technical risk, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and customer requirements to achieve successful program outcomes.

Benefits

• great compensation package
• bonus opportunities
• matching 401k
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (select locations)
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible paid time off
• holidays
• parental leave program
• relocation assistance
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Tuition Assistance
• mentorship and coaching opportunities
• leadership development and other personal growth programs
• Warm, respectful, family-like environment driven by our 12 core values.
• Multiple Employee Resource Groups led by our employees, open and welcoming to all.

What This Job Offers

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