Chief Engineer

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CoAspire ( ) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over thirteen years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.
Position: You will serve as the senior technical authority and Chief Engineer for specific weapon-system programs, driving technical strategy, architecture, and execution while leading the development and integration of next-generation aerospace and defense platforms. Working directly with executive leadership and program managers, you will own the end-to-end technical roadmap—from concept through production—ensuring every mechanical, electrical, and integration solution meets stringent DoW performance, reliability, and affordability requirements. This high-visibility role provides multidisciplinary leadership across design-for-manufacturability, production scaling, systems integration, and technical risk management for advanced weapons systems, all while maintaining full compliance with company and government specifications.
Location: Fairfax or Manassas, VA Onsite
Key Responsibilities:Drive technical strategy, architecture, and execution for specific weapon-system programs, defining system-level requirements and leading end-to-end design, development, integration, and testing in close partnership with program management.Support and maintain Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes and artifacts, including requirements, architecture models, and interface definitions.Lead technical design reviews (e.g. PDR/CDR), verification and validation activities, ground testing, and flight testing to deliver proven, mission-ready systems.Oversee identification, qualification, and implementation of cost-effective COTS and MIL-SPEC components, materials, and processes while ensuring full form/fit/function compliance and ITAR/DFARS adherence.Manage Bills of Materials (BOMs), configuration baselines, and technical efforts across all subsystems and subcomponents while partnering with supply chain and buyers to ensure readiness.Serve as the primary technical interface with DoW customers, prime contractors, and suppliers for design reviews, contract deliverables, and resolution of cross-functional challenges.Mentor and provide technical oversight to aerospace, mechanical, electrical, software, and I&T engineers while conducting technical risk assessments, trade studies, and mitigation plans.Champion continuous improvement in quality, safety, and affordability across all programs in accordance with applicable standards.
Qualifications:10+ years of proven engineering leadership experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing or weapons-system development.Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.Demonstrated success leading DoW weapons or air-launched effects programs from prototype through high-rate production, with prior experience in classified environments and airworthiness/certification processes.Deep expertise in system-level design ownership, parallel design efforts, complex mechanical/electrical drawings and configuration management.Active or ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Secret clearance.Strong leadership presence with excellent communication skills; able to brief senior DoW stakeholders, customers, and internal leadership.
Desired Skills:Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.Prior experience as Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Lead Systems Engineer on DoW weapons, missiles, or related programs.Hands-on knowledge of aerospace materials, MIL-SPEC connectors/harnesses, composites, additive manufacturing and/or modern production technologies.
What We Offer:Beyond competitive pay, we offer:Full benefits beginning first of month following hire: medical, dental and vision401(k) with generous company match and immediate vestingPTO and Federal holidays
The anticipated salary range for this position is $220,000 -$280,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.
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