Vice President Engineering

Cartridge Actuated Devices•Fairfield, NJ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Engineering provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's engineering functions. The Vice VP of Engineering oversees the planning, development, and execution of engineering projects, ensures operational excellence through configuration management and sustainment of existing portfolio products, and fosters innovation. The VP of Engineering is responsible for managing engineering teams, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and aligning engineering initiatives with company goals. The VP of Engineering collaborates with the other members of the leadership team to drive technological advancements, improve processes, and deliver high-quality products or systems that support the company's success and growth.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of energetic materials, explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems used in aerospace and defense applications.
Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, safety protocols, and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a high-stakes environment.
Effective decision-making and strategic planning skills.
Strong knowledge of ERP systems, SAP, Sightline, Sage, Epicor.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, excel, power point, share point.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Effective leadership and team management abilities.
Project management experience or familiarity with aerospace development lifecycle.
Industry certifications related to aerospace engineering (e.g., ASQ certifications, IPC certifications).
Strong understanding of testing, validation, manufacturing, and quality control processes for energetic products.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and meet critical deadlines.
Experience with compliance documentation and certification processes.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degrees are a plus.
10+ years of experience in pyrotechnics, explosives, energetics, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven experience in aerospace component development, testing, or systems integration.
Strong understanding of aerospace design standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA, USG, DOD Requirements).
In-depth knowledge of explosive and energetic materials, chemistry, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects involving hazardous materials.
Experience working with regulatory agencies and obtaining certifications or approvals for energetic products.
Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks), simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB), and test equipment.
Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental testing.
Knowledge of air worthiness certification, supplemental type certification, and parts manufacturing authority.
Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident).
Must be able to obtain (and maintain) the ATF Possessor License.
Must successfully pass a background investigation, including ATF screening, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the overall engineering strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
Develop and implement strategic engineering roadmaps for energetic materials and systems used in aerospace and defense applications, ensuring alignment with Department of Defense specifications and industry standards.
Lead multidisciplinary teams including chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, systems engineers, and safety specialists to design, develop, testing, and qualify energetic and pyrotechnic components and systems.
Oversee the formulation, manufacturing, testing, and validation of explosive and energetic materials, ensuring adherence to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including compliance with agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), DOT, OSHA, and EPA.
Drive innovation in energetics technology by researching emerging materials, propulsion systems, and deployment mechanisms to enhance performance, safety, and reliability in aerospace and defense operations.
Establish and maintain rigorous safety protocols, handling procedures, and quality assurance processes for sensitive and hazardous energetic materials.
Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely, within-scope, and cost-effective delivery of critical defense and aerospace projects.
Collaborate with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to obtain approvals, certifications, and compliance throughout product development and deployment.
Monitor technological advancements, industry standards, and regulatory developments to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of energetics technology.
Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
Represent the organization at industry conferences, safety forums, and regulatory meetings, communicating technical insights and strategic initiatives.