Chief Engineer - ZipRecruiter : Job Details

Job Description

NOTE: WindWright positions are contingent on contract award expected June 2025

WindWright, a subsidiary of Stratolaunch, accelerates hypersonic development by improving the capacity and capabilities of ground test facilities using digital engineering environments. Our advanced modeling and simulation, synthesized with ground and flight test data, are integrated into digital models that enhance ground test productivity, accuracy, and repeatability across the full customer development campaign. WindWright's digital engineering framework also enables efficient test planning, rapid data review, and deeper analysis of test results, reducing costs and risks for customers.

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, commissioning, and operation of hypersonic ground test facilities. This role involves guiding and developing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and suppliers responsible for modeling & simulations, system and subsystem design, safety assessments, and capacity improvements, with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system decisions to meet customer and internal requirements. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of mechanical, electro-mechanical, fluid, thermal, control systems, and instrumentation for a wind tunnel facility. Experience and engineering judgment in aerothermodynamics, aero-propulsion, thermal-structural-mechanical design, controls, and hypersonic ground test systems are highly desirable.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Program Manager, Systems Engineer, and engineering team to ensure successful program outcomes, filling gaps as needed.
• Lead a diverse team of multidisciplinary engineers in developing hypersonic ground test facilities.
• Conduct trade studies and make final technical decisions, balancing across disciplines such as aerothermodynamics, structures, controls, and fluid systems.
• Identify and resolve system-level architecture requirements issues.
• Mitigate technical risks through risk-reduction testing campaigns.
• Manage design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight testing.
• Develop engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps within the team.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Required:

• Extensive experience with the development and operation of ground test facilities.
• Proficiency with systems engineering practices, tools, and approaches.
• Significant experience as a design engineering lead or analyst on ground test systems.
• Experience leading or participating in ground test campaigns.
• Knowledge of technical risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Experience maintaining customer relationships.
• Ability to work in small engineering teams with multiple responsibilities.
• Comfort working in environments with minimal processes and guardrails.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
• Familiarity with configuration management systems like JIRA, GIT, JAMA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Citizenship and ability to obtain a US security clearance (Active TS/SCI preferred).

Preferred:

• Experience with hypersonic ground test facility development.
• Experience with modeling & simulation.
• Active security clearance.
• Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter.

Required computer skills:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Education/experience/certifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from an accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work environment remarks:

• Travel estimated at less than 10%.
• Position based in Sandusky, Ohio.
• Position contingent upon contract award.
• Applicants must be US Persons eligible for security clearance.

Benefits and location:

• Relocation assistance available for Sandusky, OH.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) with 50% company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Sandusky offers a scenic, affordable lifestyle with proximity to Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, and attractions like Cedar Point Amusement Park, Lake Erie, and local parks. The area is rich in history, outdoor activities, and cultural sites, making it an appealing place to live and work.

Applicants must be US Persons as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.67.

WindWright is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: