Chief Systems Engineer - Lead the Development of a Next-Generation Fixed-Wing Aircraft PlatformFort Worth, TX | On-site
Opportunity SummaryJoin a growing aerospace startup developing advanced fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial applications. As Chief Systems Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority responsible for the overall aircraft architecture, system integration, and engineering execution across the entire platform. This is a highly visible leadership role that requires balancing big-picture technical strategy with hands-on engineering decision making. Working directly alongside the President and CTO, you will guide the aircraft from concept through flight testing and production while ensuring every engineering discipline remains aligned around a common technical vision. This role is ideal for an experienced aircraft systems engineer who has led multidisciplinary development efforts and enjoys solving complex engineering challenges in a fast-moving startup environment.
Job Duties- Serve as the technical authority for the complete aircraft system throughout development, testing, and production.
- Own system architecture and ensure all aircraft subsystems integrate into a cohesive, high-performing platform.
- Partner closely with executive leadership to establish technical priorities, product roadmaps, and engineering strategy.
- Lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts spanning structures, propulsion, avionics, flight controls, software, payload integration, electrical systems, and manufacturing.
- Drive system-level trade studies and make technical decisions balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.
- Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, verification plans, and overall technical documentation.
- Review engineering designs across multiple disciplines and ensure technical consistency throughout the aircraft.
- Support prototype development, ground testing, flight testing, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations.
- Mentor senior engineers while fostering strong technical collaboration across the organization.
- Establish scalable engineering processes that support rapid development without unnecessary complexity.
- Represent engineering during customer discussions, technical reviews, and executive planning activities.
Qualifications- 10+ years of aerospace engineering experience with significant fixed-wing aircraft development experience.
- Demonstrated ownership of complete aircraft systems rather than a single engineering discipline.
- Strong systems engineering background with experience integrating mechanical, electrical, software, propulsion, avionics, and flight control systems.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex development programs.
- Track record taking aircraft from concept through integration, testing, and flight validation.
- Strong understanding of aircraft performance, system interfaces, verification, and technical risk management.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both engineering teams and executive leadership.
- Comfortable making high-impact technical decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Willing to relocate to the Fort Worth area or spend the majority of time working on-site.
Preferred Experience- Chief Engineer, Chief Systems Engineer, Technical Director, or Lead Systems Engineer experience on fixed-wing aircraft programs.
- Startup or early-stage aerospace company experience.
- Experience developing unmanned aircraft systems or autonomous aviation platforms.
- Background supporting flight test campaigns and aircraft certification or qualification activities.
- Familiarity with model-based systems engineering, requirements management, or digital engineering tools.
- Experience transitioning aircraft from prototype development into low-rate or full-scale production.
- Military aviation, defense, or advanced aerospace program experience.
Compensation Details$180,000 - $220,000
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