Chief Engineer Job at Eleventh Hour, Hawthorne, CA

TEFqTmJLeVRrWmp6MXZWaHJka25JekxxRHc9PQ==
  • Eleventh Hour
  • Hawthorne, CA

Job Description

Chief Engineer

Full-Time | Onsite - Los Angeles | Aerospace, Robotics, Defense, and Research & Development Sector

PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION!

About the Role

Our client, a start-up, is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Engineer to lead and scale the technical and engineering strategy for their growing aerospace and defense research & development company. This full-time, onsite position in the Los Angeles area requires a dynamic leader with a strong engineering background and proven success driving innovation and managing cross-functional R&D and technical operations within regulated environments.

In this role, the ideal candidate will possess deep domain knowledge in robotics, unmanned systems, aerospace, and defense technologies, with a track record of building and leading high-performing technical teams, overseeing full product development lifecycles, and contributing to strategic growth initiatives, including Research & Development (R&D), Science & Technology (S&T), and manufacturing innovation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the project and/or product technical vision and strategy in alignment with overall business goals.
  • Lead engineering teams across disciplines, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and excellence.
  • Oversee R&D, product development, and technology implementation activities, ensuring technical excellence and successful delivery.
  • Collaborate closely with the Head of Operations, Legal, BD, and Program and Project Managers to ensure technical programs align with contractual and operational goals.
  • Drive system architecture, technology roadmaps, and product development across core business lines.
  • Represent the technical voice of the company in client engagements, including proposals, program reviews, and strategic partnerships.
  • Ensure engineering processes meet or exceed industry, regulatory, and security compliance standards.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in defense and aerospace markets.
  • Support manufacturing operations with scalable and efficient production technologies and methodologies.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of industry experience with 5+ years of experience in engineering leadership roles within aerospace, defense, or adjacent industries.
  • Proven success in building and scaling technical teams and programs within a startup or small business environment.
  • Deep knowledge of aerospace/defense system development, industry regulations, and compliance frameworks.
  • Strong track record in R&D/S&T initiatives and transitioning innovations into production-ready systems.
  • Experience with SBIR/STTR or other R&D/grant programs.
  • Hands-on expertise in systems engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, embedded systems, hardware-software integration, and related technical domains.
  • Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional engineering and technical programs.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience supporting business development and proposals from a technical leadership role is a plus.

  • Active Security Clearance a plus but not required, must be able to obtain one.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.

KEYWORDS:

robotics, unmanned systems, guidance/navigation/control, systems engineering

BENEFITS:

Medical, Vision, Dental - company pays 65%

Travel: Up to 25% (1-2 week trips)

Job Tags

Full time,

Similar Jobs

RippleMatch Opportunities

Entry Level Hardware Engineer, application via RippleMatch Job at RippleMatch Opportunities

Entry Level Hardware Engineer, application via RippleMatch New York, NYThis role is with RippleMatch's partner companies. RippleMatch partners...  ...Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or a related field.Internship... 

Dean & Company LLC

Local/OTR Class A Truck Driver Job at Dean & Company LLC

 ...Dean & Company in Brookwood, AL is looking for a Full-time OTR Class A Truck Driver. Most of our hauls are short local hauls where you are home daily. We currently have 4- tractor trailers, 4- 53ft dry vans, 1- 48ft flatbed, 1- 48ft stepdeck, 3 straight trucks, and a... 

MasTec

Aerial Lineman Job at MasTec

 ...MasTec - JobID: 55932 [Maintenance Technician / Electrical Technician] As an Aerial Lineman at MasTec, you'll: Install, repair, and maintain overhead telecommunications lines; Climb poles and towers to perform necessary tasks; String cables and wires to ensure proper connectivity... 

Signal

SECURITY PATROL OFFICER (San Jose) Job at Signal

 ...Security Officer - Mobile Patrol Signal has an immediate opportunity for a Mobile Security Officer. Work 10-hour shifts, 4 days per week - and have...  .... You'll be piloting a high-visibility security vehicle around our clients' properties Always be on the lookout... 

Prisma Health

Certified Surgical Tech (CST), OR Tuomey, FT Job at Prisma Health

 ...patients of all ages before, during and after surgical procedures by performing scrub duties and...  ...of a Surgical Technology program or Surgical Technologist training in the U.S....  ...job prior to July 1, 2020, without surgical tech certification that are grandfathered under...