Chief Engineer of Pyrotechnic MechanismsAs Chief Engineer of Pyrotechnic Mechanisms, you will serve as the company-wide technical authority for the mechanical and structural design of cutters, initiators, separation joints, and energetically actuated release systems. You will guide development from concept through qualification and low-rate production, helping ensure devices are safe, robust, producible, and compliant. Through hands-on technical leadership, risk management, and engineer development, you will help teams make sound design decisions and meet program requirements.
Responsibilities- Leads development of pyrotechnic mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification and low-rate production, providing hands-on oversight during build, test, and flight operations.
- Translates system-level requirements into mechanical and structural solutions, identifying implied and derived requirements early to prevent scope creep and misinterpretation.
- Develops and enforces design guidelines, analysis methodologies, and test plans to ensure device robustness and repeatability.
- Defines design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) practices in collaboration with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.
- Owns technical risk management for pyrotechnic hardware, maintaining risk registers and driving mitigation across design, materials, manufacturing, and testing.
- Tailors standards, processes, and qualification approaches to program needs, balancing rigor, cost, and schedule while maintaining compliance.
- Leads design and safety reviews, documenting tailoring decisions and maintaining alignment with customer and regulatory expectations.
- Defines scope, risks, and technical approaches for proposals supporting new business opportunities.
- Represents mechanisms engineering in customer meetings, technical interchange meetings, and safety boards.
- Mentors and develops engineers to strengthen in-house expertise in mechanism design and pyrotechnics.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.
- At least 15 years of experience designing and qualifying pyrotechnic or energetic mechanisms in aerospace, defense, or related industries.
- Deep knowledge of energetics, ignition systems, detonation and deflagration physics, and mechanism actuation principles.
- Proven record of leading multidisciplinary teams and serving as a technical authority.
- Demonstrated expertise in safety and compliance for energetics handling, storage, and testing.
- Strong familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) regulations governing energetic systems.
- Hands-on experience with test planning, execution, and data reduction for pyrotechnic devices.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent the company to customers, suppliers, and regulators.
- A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Experience integrating pyrotechnics into spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or defense systems.
- Knowledge of alternative non-pyrotechnic actuation systems to support trade studies.
- Published technical contributions in pyrotechnics or energetics.
Benefits- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement
