VP - Engineering
Software Engineering
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India · Philadelphia, PA, USA
Job Description
1. Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities
Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned with company vision, program objectives, and market needs.
Lead and mentor large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams across structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, systems, software, and manufacturing engineering.
Establish engineering governance, processes, and best practices across programs.
Drive a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
2. Aircraft Design & Development
Oversee conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design of aircraft and major systems.
Ensure integration of structures, systems, avionics, propulsion, and software into a certified aircraft configuration.
Review and approve key technical decisions, trade studies, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).
Ensure effective use of digital engineering tools (MBSE, PLM, CAD/CAE, digital twins).
3. Certification & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, DGCA, MIL standards, and other applicable airworthiness regulations.
Lead certification planning, conformity, ground and flight test activities.
Serve as the senior engineering interface with regulatory authorities.
4. Program & Execution Oversight
Partner with Program Management to ensure engineering deliverables meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
Identify and mitigate technical risks across development and production programs.
Support production ramp-up, entry-into-service, and in-service engineering support.
5. Innovation & Technology
Drive adoption of advanced materials, automation, AI/ML, electrification, sustainable aviation technologies, and next-generation architectures.
Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies and supplier innovations.
Support intellectual property creation and protection.
6. Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Flight Test, and Customer Support teams.
Engage with customers, partners, and suppliers on technical matters.
Represent the company at industry forums and technical reviews.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
Master’s degree or PhD preferred.
Experience
18–25+ years of progressive engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
10+ years in senior engineering leadership roles within an Aircraft OEM or Tier-1 aerospace supplier.
Proven experience leading clean-sheet aircraft or major derivative programs through certification.
Strong background in aircraft systems integration and airworthiness certification.
Technical Skills
Deep knowledge of aircraft design, development, and certification processes.
Expertise in structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, and safety assessments.
Familiarity with DO-178, DO-254, ARP4754, ARP4761, and configuration management practices.
Leadership & Soft Skills
Strong executive leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to balance innovation with regulatory and safety requirements.
Strategic thinker with hands-on technical credibility.
