Senior Chief Engineer - Defense
About The Position
Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company, is a product development firm in the motorsports, defense, and mobility sectors, offering clients product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Their capabilities span research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production to accelerate product launches. Pratt Miller Defense is a leader in defense innovation, employing a skilled team to transform defense solutions by integrating advanced technologies, developing unique toolsets, and utilizing expertise in ground vehicles. They are seeking an entrepreneurial defense subject matter expert to align the organization in delivering unique defense solutions and products. This role reports to the Defense Technical Director and presents growth opportunities through business unit alignment, expanded direct reports, and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate is flexible, self-directed, team-oriented, and comfortable managing ambiguity. The Chief Engineer is vital for project execution, ensuring customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability.
Requirements
- BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
- Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.
- Ability to obtain Security Clearance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in full vehicle design and development, including chassis systems, propulsion, and energy systems.
- Expertise in testing, evaluation, and verification/validation of vehicle systems.
- Strong technical background with deep understanding of system engineering, systems safety, and safety-critical software.
- Familiarity with the lean product development process, including CAE tools and optimization.
- Experience in test and evaluation, including developmental and integrated verification strategies.
- Hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing systems in the field is an advantage.
- Knowledge of functional safety systems, associated software, and architecture leadership.
- Familiarity with industry standards and the ability to build team capabilities.
- Solid understanding of vehicle architecture and integration of subsystems.
- Expertise in specific areas such as: Weapon Systems, Combat Vehicle Engineering, Fire Control Systems, Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems, Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems, Defense AI and Software.
Responsibilities
- Assist in market intelligence, customer lead generation, scope meetings, opportunity evaluation, and leading proposal efforts.
- Oversee the engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
- Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and team development.
- Plan and formulate engineering programs, reviewing product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
- Approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
- Coordinate technical development, scheduling, and resolve engineering design and testing challenges.
- Lead the identification of electrical and hybrid vehicle technical architectures and system partitioning.
- Develop SWOT analyses and identify competitive advantages, proposing PM solutions based on market needs.
- Integrate engineering best practices across the organization.
- Present technical capabilities and solutions to management, customers, and partners.
- Ensure alignment of project solutions with broader organizational goals, industry roadmaps, and emerging technologies.
- Set technical objectives, resolve conflicts, and make decisions based on trade studies and requirements.
- Coordinate resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks to customer satisfaction and project deliverables.
- Lead internal and external technical communications to keep projects on track.
- Oversee financials and ensure project profitability.
- Manage customer relationships, provide status updates, and ensure on-time deliverables.
- Offer feedback on customer needs and continuous process improvements.
Benefits
- Opportunities for growth through business unit alignment, increased direct reports, and strategic partnerships.
- Competitive total rewards package.
- People-first culture.
- Various opportunities to support team member growth and success.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
