Chief Engineer

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Kingfisher Recruiting has partnered with an ICE Engineering firm to hire a Chief Engineer. 

As Chief Engineer, you will be at the forefront of bringing the company's engine to market. Collaborating closely with company leadership, cross-functional engineering teams, and external partners, you will lead the technical execution of a major engine development program from prototype to production. This is a hands-on, lab-centered role for an experienced, strategic, and inventive engineering leader who thrives in an R&D environment.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership & Program Execution
    • Lead the technical execution of a next-generation rotary engine program, from concept through commercialization.
    • Collaborate with the VP of Engineering and senior leadership to define and drive the engine development roadmap.
    • Balance innovation with practical constraints—optimizing for function, cost, manufacturability, and performance.
  • Team Management & Development
    • Manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers and contractors, including test, design, development, modeling, and calibration specialists.
    • Recruit top engineering talent and build a cohesive, high-performance team.
    • Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Design, Testing, and Integration
    • Oversee the development, design integration, testing, and validation of engine systems and subcomponents.
    • Identify opportunities to improve performance, durability, and efficiency through iterative design and hands-on prototyping.
    • Coordinate BOM development, procurement, and resource allocation to meet project goals.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
    • Interface with key stakeholders including customers, partners, and investors.
    • Participate in technical presentations, demos, and meetings to support business development and strategic partnerships.
    • Maintain clear, coherent communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Industry Research & Innovation
    • Stay on the leading edge of industry trends, research, and emerging technologies in high-efficiency engines.
    • Drive innovation and original thinking to solve complex design and engineering challenges.

You Bring:

  • 10+ years of experience leading engine development programs or complex mechanical systems.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS or PhD strongly preferred).
  • Deep expertise in combustion engines, rotary systems, thermofluid components, and electromechanical integration.
  • Proven ability to manage complex systems, optimizing tradeoffs between size, weight, cost, and performance.
  • Proficiency with design and simulation tools (SolidWorks, FEA, modeling, etc.).
  • Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
  • Hands-on, lab-based engineering experience—willing to be deeply involved in prototyping and testing.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

  • Advanced experience with engine packaging and system-level integration.
  • Experience with electro-hydraulic-mechanical systems.
  • Familiarity with CAD, simulation tools, and data analysis platforms (e.g., MS Project, Excel, MATLAB).
  • Track record of recruiting and building effective engineering teams.
  • Comfort presenting technical content to investors, customers, and partners.

Benefits & Perks

  • Flexible PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—you choose what works best for you.
  • Equity Participation: Permanent employees receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
  • 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5%
  • Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Organisation: 
Kingfisher Recruiting