Defense Chief Engineer

Pratt Miller Defense is a leader in driving innovation, with a talented and dynamic team dedicated to transforming the future of defense solutions. We integrate cutting-edge technologies, develop unique toolsets, and leverage our expertise in ground vehicles to deliver groundbreaking solutions for our warfighters. We are seeking an entrepreneurial spirit and defense subject matter expert to help align our organization in delivering unique defense solutions and products.

This position reports to the Defense Technical Director and offers opportunities for growth through business unit alignment, increased direct reports, and strategic partnerships. A successful candidate will be flexible, self-directed, team-oriented, and capable of managing ambiguity. The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS:
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
   

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the responsibilities mentioned, the following qualifications and experience are desired:

• 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

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.
   

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• 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.

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• Hybrid work environment; as a leader, expected to be in the office 50% or more, depending on the program.

• Minor or extensive travel may be required depending on the program.

• Flexibility to work long hours as needed to meet deadlines.

#LI-TA1

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.