Deputy Chief Engineer at North Wind in Minnesota FLM , St Paul, MN

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated Deputy Chief Engineer to join our team, focusing on the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities. This role serves as a technical leader who works closely with the Program Chief Engineer and serves as a key interface between the engineering team, project manager, subcontractors, and the customer. This role supports the Chief Engineer on technical integrity, safety, and delivery of complex wind tunnel systems. The Deputy Chief Engineer will coordinate with other technical leaders and establish priorities for engineering activities and a framework for the team’s execution in areas including requirement generation and management, interface development and management, risk management and technical margin assessments, configuration management, and verification and validation efforts. A successful candidate can engage in multidisciplinary problem-solving as part of a diverse team in a fast-paced design and build environment. This position involves fostering Systems Engineering methodologies to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of advanced hypersonic test systems. The ideal candidate will have strong technical leadership experience, domain expertise, and a keen interest in hypersonic technologies.

Responsibilities:

Hypersonic Test Facility Design and Integration:

• Facilitate design, development, and optimization activities for test facilities for wind tunnel systems.
• Receive tasking at a high level from the Project Manager and Chief Engineer with minimal day-to-day guidance.
• Integrate advanced hypersonic testing methodologies, equipment, and systems into facility design and operation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, controls and software engineers) to ensure test facilities meet all functional and operational requirements.
• Delegate responsibility to ensure compliance with requirements and contract deliverables.
• Synthesize technical risks throughout the lifecycle of the project and present how these represent project or financial risks to the project manager, management, and the end user.

Technical Oversight:

• Develop and manage integration of test facility systems including structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical components, to enhance decision-making and performance validation.
• Own system baseline with the Chief Engineer throughout the course of a program.
• Lead or assist Engineering Review Board meetings to drive consistency and quality in deliverables while driving the appropriate technical rigor for the program
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies for cost, schedule, and safety.
• Support development and execution of knowledge point plans.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Drive completion and act as responsible reviewer of comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review and drive necessary changes in programmatic plans such as the System Engineering Management Plan, Interface Control Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, and System Verification Plan.
• Hold the team accountable for clear documentation of trade studies, planning activities, and test results for project reviews and audits.
• Backup Signature Authority when directed by the Chief Engineer.

Continuous Improvement & Mentorship:

• Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance the performance and efficiency of the test facility design and operation.
• Make technical decisions related to key program trades while mentoring junior engineers.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in hypersonic technologies.

Qualifications / Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in technical leadership of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experienced Leader in areas of technical communication, critical systems thinking, and problem-solving
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment with challenging deadlines, and the pressure of handling multiple projects and assignments.
• Must be willing to take ownership, enjoy taking on new challenges, overcome technical barriers, and be self-motivated.
• Experience in design & analysis steps for custom one-off systems.
• Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with system configuration management, including facilitating the change process across multiple design disciplines from a configuration baseline.
• Experience with risk and opportunity management
• Strong disposition to train, mentor, and support fellow engineers.

Preferred:

• Core competency experience such as Mechanical Design, Aerodynamics, Testing, Analysis, etc.
• Hands-on experience with flight testing or test facilities, such as wind tunnels, shock tubes, or combustion testing
• Experience with system performance and technical margin assessments
• Familiarity with analytical tools utilized in complex problem solving such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis, thermal analysis and management, and performance simulations
• Familiarity with control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in test environments.
• Experience working on government contracts.
• Experience with risk assessments and hazard analysis
• Familiarity with Model Based System Engineering and requirements management tools (Cameo, JAMA, DOORS or similar)
• Ensure verification and validation testing are done thoroughly and help orchestrate integration efforts.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.