CTO - Systems Engineering

Chief Technical Officer - Systems Engineering — Advanced Aerospace Program

A next-generation aerospace organization is developing scalable, long-range, autonomous aerial platforms designed to transform logistics, defense support, and regional air mobility. As Chief Engineer, you will define the technical vision and lead the engineering function through system development, integration, certification, and flight testing of an aircraft intended to reshape the future of advanced flight.

This role offers direct ownership over system architecture and design decisions on a program with industry-defining potential. You will influence the technical roadmap, build and mentor the engineering team, and play a leading role in advancing a breakthrough aerospace platform from concept to reality.

Location: Elmira, New York, USA

(Relocation assistance provided)

Key Responsibilities

Systems Architecture Leadership

• Define and optimize full aircraft systems architecture for performance, manufacturability, modularity, and mission effectiveness.
• Ensure architecture supports scalable production and future technology integration.

Requirements Ownership

• Lead requirements capture, allocation, traceability, and verification at system and component levels.
• Translate mission and customer requirements into actionable engineering deliverables.

Simulation, Modeling & Optimization

• Oversee multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) using trade studies, simulation, and advanced modeling tools.
• Promote digital engineering practices to reduce iteration cycles and accelerate development.

Validation & Verification Strategy

• Develop and manage the full test strategy: SIL/MIL/HIL simulation, bench/rig testing, iron bird, ground testing, and flight test campaigns.
• Ensure safe, reliable, certifiable system performance.

Certification & Regulatory Interface

• Act as the engineering representative to aviation authorities, primarily FAA, with potential global engagement (EASA/ICAO where applicable).
• Drive certification and airworthiness alignment for UAV/eVTOL platforms.

Documentation & Technical Governance

• Establish engineering standards, configuration control, technical documentation, and certification-related artifacts.
• Review and approve design specifications, test plans/reports, and interface control documents (ICDs).

Collaboration & Leadership

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team and mentor technical leaders.
• Work closely with suppliers, program management, and executive leadership to ensure alignment and execution.

Qualifications & Experience

Professional Experience

• 10+ years in aerospace systems engineering leadership, ideally on advanced aircraft, UAV, or eVTOL programs.
• Demonstrated success taking complex systems from design through flight test and/or certification.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, and modeling & simulation tools.
• Expertise in flight dynamics, control systems, avionics integration, and power distribution.
• Experience with MIL/SIL/HIL simulation environments and digital engineering practices.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership presence and the ability to build and scale high-performing engineering teams.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Thrives in an innovative, fast-moving environment focused on rapid development and execution.

Why This Role Is Unique

• Shape the technical direction of a next-generation aerospace platform.
• Significant impact and ownership — your decisions will directly influence the aircraft’s success.
• Work with cutting-edge technologies in autonomy, flight systems, composite structures, and next-gen propulsion.
• Competitive compensation, full benefits, relocation assistance, and visa sponsorship available.

To Apply:

Submit your CV or reach out directly to discuss further.