Chief Engineer
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Before you apply
LocationTampa, Florida, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityC-Suite
Experience15+ yrs
DepartmentEngineering - TS
Company size501–1,000 people
PostedApr 23, 2026 · 6mo ago
Verified live3d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Provides technical leadership for additive manufactured unmanned system development programs from concept through deployment and sustainment
Serves as technical authority for system architecture, design trade studies, integration strategies, and risk management
Leads system engineering processes including requirements development, decomposition, verification, validation, and configuration management
Oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams
Develops and maintains technical roadmaps aligned with defense customer needs
Ensures compliance with DoD standards, MIL-STDs, airworthiness/safety certifications, cybersecurity frameworks, and export regulations
Directs integration of autonomy, navigation, sensors, communications, propulsion, and payload systems
Leads major technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR)
Identifies, assesses, and mitigates technical risks
Supports proposal development, customer briefings, and technical strategy discussions with government and defense partners
Fosters innovation in autonomy, AI-enabled decision-making, resilient communications, and human-machine teaming
Mentors senior engineering staff and establishes best practices
Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance
Demonstrated expertise in complex systems engineering for unmanned or autonomous defense systems
Extensive knowledge in additive manufacturing of UAS systems; composites, polymers, metals
Strong working knowledge of DfX principles
Strong knowledge of platform integration across hardware, embedded systems, software, autonomy, and communications
Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary technical teams in a regulated defense environment
Deep understanding of systems architecture, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and lifecycle management
Familiarity with defense acquisition processes and government contracting environments
Working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements for defense systems
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Understanding of supply chain as it relates to autonomous systems development, rapid production scaling and design for manufacturing
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field required
15+ years of progressive engineering experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems development
10+ years of experience with progressive technical experience in engineering roles
7+ years in senior technical leadership roles
7+ years in senior technical engineering roles centered around additive manufacturing principles, programs, and execution
Demonstrated experience leading at least one full lifecycle unmanned or autonomous system development program
Experience interfacing directly with DoD customers, prime contractors, and/or government program offices
Background in integrating sensors, navigation systems, propulsion systems, C2 systems, autonomy software, or mission payloads into operational platforms
Experience with test and evaluation planning, field demonstrations, and operational deployment support
Experience with manufacturing technologies that enable rapid development, test and demonstration of capabilities
Experience with safety-critical systems and applicable certification standards
Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior
Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture
Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field preferred
U.S. Citizenship required
Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis
Skills
Python
React
AWS
PostgreSQL
AI
MIL-STDs
RMF
ITAR
EAR
MBSE
DfX
C2 systems
autonomy software
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
401(k)
Professional development
Employee assistance program
About the role
The UAS Chief Engineer provides technical leadership, strategic direction, and execution oversight for the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced additively manufacturing unmanned systems. This role is responsible for end-to-end system engineering across air, ground, maritime, and/or multi-domain unmanned platforms, ensuring mission effectiveness, survivability, cybersecurity resilience, and compliance with applicable defense standards and regulations. The Chief Engineer serves as the primary technical authority for their assigned platform or product area, guiding cross-functional engineering teams, aligning technical roadmaps with customer requirements, and ensuring delivery of high-performance, secure, and reliable systems within cost and schedule constraints. This position works closely with government stakeholders, program management, operations, and executive leadership.
Essential Functions
•
Provide overall technical leadership for additive manufactured unmanned system development programs, from concept through deployment and sustainment.
•
Serve as the technical authority for system architecture, design trade studies, integration strategies, and risk management.
•
Research and drive advancements in designs centered around additive manufacturing of UAS across the portfolio
•
Lead system engineering processes including requirements development, decomposition, verification, validation, and configuration management.
•
Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software, controls, AI/ML, autonomy, communications, cybersecurity, and systems engineering).
•
Develop and maintain technical roadmaps aligned with defense customer needs and emerging operational requirements.
•
Ensure compliance with applicable DoD standards, MIL-STDs, airworthiness/safety certifications, cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., RMF), and export regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR).
•
Direct integration of autonomy, navigation, sensors, communications, propulsion, and payload systems into cohesive, mission-ready platforms.
•
Lead major technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PRR), ensuring readiness and program maturity at each phase.
•
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks related to reliability, survivability, resilience, and mission performance.
•
Support proposal development, customer briefings, and technical strategy discussions with government and defense partners.
•
Foster innovation in autonomy, AI-enabled decision-making, resilient communications, and human-machine teaming.
•
Mentor senior engineering staff and establish best practices in additive manufacturing, systems engineering, and product development.
•
Perform other duties as assigned.
Standard Essential Functions
•
Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
•
Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices.
•
Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
Qualifications and Competencies
•
Security Clearance-Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
•
Demonstrated expertise in complex systems engineering for unmanned or autonomous defense systems.
•
Extensive knowledge in additive manufacturing of UAS systems; composites, polymers, metals.
•
Strong working knowledge of DfX principles; Design for Manufacturability, Procurement, Testability, Modularity, Cost.
•
Strong knowledge of platform integration across hardware, embedded systems, software, autonomy, and communications.
•
Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary technical teams in a regulated defense environment.
•
Deep understanding of systems architecture, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and lifecycle management.
•
Familiarity with defense acquisition processes and government contracting environments.
•
Working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements for defense systems, including secure communications and resilient architectures.
•
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
•
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior defense stakeholders.
•
Understand of supply chain as it relates to autonomous systems development, rapid production scaling and design for manufacturing.
Education / Certifications
•
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field required.
•
Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
Experience
•
15+ years of progressive engineering experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems development.
•
10+ years of experience with progressive technical experience in engineering roles, with a proven track record of technical design and development
•
7+ years in senior technical leadership roles (e.g., Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or equivalent).
•
7+ years in senior technical engineering roles centered around additive manufacturing principles, programs, and execution
•
Demonstrated experience leading at least one full lifecycle unmanned or autonomous system development program.
•
Experience interfacing directly with DoD customers, prime contractors, and/or government program offices.
•
Background in integrating sensors, navigation systems, propulsion systems, C2 systems, autonomy software, or mission payloads into operational platforms.
•
Experience with test and evaluation planning, field demonstrations, and operational deployment support.
•
Experience with manufacturing technologies that enable rapid development, test and demonstration of capabilities.
•
Experience with safety-critical systems and applicable certification standards.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.
About AEVEX
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company’s capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
Benefits
AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.
Hiring process
Recruitment Communication Notice: All official correspondence regarding your application, application status, interviews, or the AEVEX hiring process will come directly from an AEVEX representative using an @aevex.com email address or through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system. Please use caution with communications claiming to represent AEVEX from other email domains, and always verify the sender before responding or providing personal information.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.