Moog

Actuation Systems Chief Engineer

Moog$200K — $240K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Over 10 years of progressive engineering experience with complex aerospace or actuation systems.
  • Experience as a technical authority on engineering products and programs.
  • Deep knowledge of actuation technologies and electromechanical systems.
  • Strong systems engineering background with risk assessment and requirements management expertise.
  • Proven track record in leading cross-functional engineering initiatives.
  • Excellent communication skills to engage customers and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as technical authority for actuation system products throughout their lifecycle.
  • Ensure product integrity in development, qualification, and production stages.
  • Lead technical execution on complex aerospace and defense programs.
  • Shape technology strategy and product roadmaps for the business unit.
  • Maintain technical standards for reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
  • Review and approve engineering deliverables and compliance documentation.
  • Mentor engineers and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive compensation package with bonuses and matching 401k.
  • Flexible paid time off and a parental leave program.
  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive company culture with employee resource groups.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Actuation Systems Chief Engineer

Reporting To:

Executive, General Engineering

Work Schedule:

Onsite – Buffalo, NY

As part of the Moog Space and Defense Group, the Actuation Systems Chief Engineer serves as the technical leader responsible for ensuring product integrity, technical excellence, and strategic technology advancement across a portfolio of sophisticated actuation systems. This is a highly influential role that combines technical leadership, customer engagement, product stewardship, and engineering mentorship.

To be considered for the Actuation Systems Chief Engineer role, here's what you'll need to bring with you:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including extensive experience leading the design, development, qualification, and lifecycle support of complex aerospace, defense, electromechanical, or actuation systems.

  • Demonstrated experience serving as a technical authority for complex engineering products and programs.

  • Deep understanding of actuation technologies, motion control, electromechanical systems, hydraulic systems, servo systems, or related engineering disciplines.

  • Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional engineering initiatives and influence technical decisions across multiple organizations.

  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles, requirements management, risk assessment, verification, validation, and configuration management processes.

  • Experience reviewing and approving critical engineering deliverables, technical baselines, and qualification activities.

  • Ability to evaluate complex technical trade-offs involving cost, schedule, performance, manufacturability, reliability, and customer requirements.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage customers, executive leadership, and engineering teams.

  • Demonstrated success mentoring engineers and developing technical talent.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in highly complex environments.

  • Ability to work effectively in a regulated aerospace and defense environment.

  • U.S. Citizenship may be required to support certain government contracts and access controlled information.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.

  • Experience as a Chief Engineer, Technical Fellow, Lead Systems Engineer, Engineering Manager, or equivalent technical leadership role.

  • Recognized subject matter expertise in aerospace actuation systems, flight control systems, electromechanical systems, motion control technologies, or related disciplines.

  • Experience supporting military, space, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.

  • Active U.S. Government Security Clearance.

  • Experience interacting directly with customers and government agencies on highly technical programs.

As an Actuation Systems Chief Engineer, you will:

  • Serve as the technical authority for actuation system products and programs throughout the full product lifecycle.

  • Be accountable for product integrity across development, qualification, production, sustainment, and aftermarket support activities.

  • Lead the technical execution of complex aerospace and defense programs involving multidisciplinary engineering teams.

  • Play a key role in Business Unit technology strategy development and execution of technology and product roadmaps.

  • Establish and maintain technical standards that support product performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction.

  • Ensure compliance with Moog engineering processes, company policies, customer specifications, and applicable industry standards.

  • Own and approve the technical content and quality of development, verification, validation, and qualification artifacts.

  • Delegate technical authority when appropriate while maintaining overall accountability for technical decisions and product performance.

  • Provide final technical disposition and decision-making support for production and field issues, including notices of escape and corrective actions.

  • Lead and participate in Internal Development Reviews (IDRs) to ensure technical rigor and development process compliance.

  • Partner closely with program management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, systems engineering, and customer teams to achieve program objectives.

  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor and primary subject matter expert for customers, business leadership, and engineering teams.

  • Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, standards, tools, and technical documentation.

  • Mentor engineers and technical leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

  • Balance technical risk, customer commitments, cost objectives, and business priorities to protect product integrity and mission success.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will be recognized as the technical leader responsible for safeguarding product integrity, advancing actuation system technologies, and ensuring successful program execution. You will influence technology direction, shape engineering best practices, mentor the next generation of technical leaders, and help deliver innovative solutions that support critical aerospace and defense missions worldwide.

How We Care for You:

  • Financial Rewards: great compensation package, bonus opportunities, matching 401k, and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan (select locations), Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance.

  • Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.

  • Professional Skills Development: Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs

  • Culture: Warm, respectful, family-like environment driven by our 12 core values. Multiple Employee Resource Groups led by our employees, open and welcoming to all.

#LI-KM

Salary Range Transparency:

Buffalo, NY $200,000.00–$240,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits. 


This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

About Moog

Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog's high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, and marine and medical equipment. The company's 2019 revenues were $2.9 billion. Moog employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide and has a presence in 26 countries.
Learn more about Moog
Market Cap
$2.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2.9 million
Founded
1951
5 Year Trend
+4%
Revenue
$2.8 billion
NASDAQ

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