Role Overview for VP, Engineering with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the aerospace industry, a company renowned for its innovation, quality, and commitment to advancing the future of flight. We are seeking a transformative and visionary Vice President of Engineering to join their executive leadership team at their state-of-the-art facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to take the helm of a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering organization and steer its technological direction.
As the Vice President of Engineering, you will be the chief architect of the company’s technical strategy and product roadmap. You will be responsible for all aspects of engineering, from conceptual research and development through design, testing, certification, and sustaining engineering. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a deep technical background in aerospace systems, a proven track record of leading large-scale engineering projects, and an inspiring leadership style that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
You will be instrumental in driving the development of next-generation aerospace technologies that will shape the industry for decades to come. Operating from the vibrant aerospace hub of Phoenix, you will leverage the region’s rich talent pool and ecosystem to build upon the company’s legacy of excellence.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Engineering with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
The VP of Engineering will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
Develop and execute a forward-thinking engineering and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term strategic goals, market trends, and customer demands. Champion innovation and position the company as a technological leader in the aerospace sector.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, multi-disciplinary engineering team encompassing design, analysis, systems, software, hardware, and test engineering. Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Implement robust talent development programs to attract, retain, and grow top-tier engineering talent.
Product Development Lifecycle Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and requirements definition through detailed design, prototyping, validation, verification, and transition to manufacturing. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Technical Oversight and Innovation
Serve as the ultimate technical authority within the organization. Provide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges and drive the investigation and adoption of new technologies, materials, and processes, such as Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital twin technologies, and advanced composites.
Quality and Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the most stringent quality standards and ensure all engineering activities and products comply with industry regulations, including AS9100 and the rigorous FAA certification processes. Interface with regulatory bodies as required.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual engineering department budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources, capital expenditures, and personnel to achieve strategic objectives. Drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness across all engineering operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work seamlessly with other members of the executive team, including Operations, Program Management, Sales, and Quality Assurance, to ensure cohesive product strategy and execution. Foster strong communication channels to facilitate alignment across the enterprise.
Customer and Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a key technical liaison with major customers, partners, and suppliers. Translate customer needs into technical requirements and effectively communicate the company’s technological capabilities and value proposition.
Risk Management
Proactively identify technical risks in programs and develop robust mitigation plans. Implement best practices in engineering processes and design reviews to minimize potential issues in product performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
Requirements for the VP, Engineering with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in engineering within the aerospace or defense industry.
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director or VP), with a proven track record of managing large, diverse engineering teams (50+ personnel).
- Demonstrable experience leading the full lifecycle development of complex aerospace systems, such as avionics, propulsion systems, structural components, or flight control systems.
- In-depth knowledge of aerospace industry standards and regulations, including AS9100, DO-178C, DO-254, and FAA/EASA certification processes.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire teams, influence stakeholders, and present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong business acumen with experience in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation.
- Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship or a U.S. Permanent Resident status is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Science in an engineering discipline or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques and digital engineering tools (e.g., MBSE, PLM, CAD/CAM/CAE).
- Proven experience in driving significant organizational change and process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Agile development methodologies).
- Established relationships with key industry players, including major OEMs (e.g., Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin) and government agencies (e.g., DoD, NASA).
- Experience managing intellectual property portfolios, including patents and trade secrets.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, significant annual bonus potential, and a long-term incentive plan (equity).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and parental leave programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates to facilitate a smooth transition to the Phoenix area.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for professional development, including executive coaching, conference attendance, and tuition reimbursement for further education.
Innovative Culture
An opportunity to work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your contributions directly impact the future of aerospace technology.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary engineering leader with a passion for aerospace and a drive to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. We are looking for a leader who can not only manage the present but also build the future.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Aerospace & Defense Engineering practice page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
Our client 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.
