Chief Engineer - Drones

Re:Build Manufacturing is a growing family of industrial and engineering businesses combining enabling technologies, operational superiority, and strategic M&A to build America’s next generation industrial company. At Re:Build we deploy deep expertise in engineering, operations management, and technology to supercharge the performance of our member companies. We leverage deep professional expertise and a candid, principled operating culture to drive differentiated outcomes. Ours is a fast-paced environment where individuals can stretch and be challenged to pursue their fullest potential.

Re:Build was founded to pioneer a profitable model for the revitalization of US manufacturing. We’ve assembled a powerful set of complimentary capabilities and lines of business that enable us to pursue a wide range of end markets. Our acquired businesses are grounded in build-to-print and by-the-hour engineering and design services, and we’re leveraging their combined expertise to migrate to increasingly sophisticated program development and production, as well as the generation of our own products. Our unique set of capabilities lend themselves to highly complex systems and products, and we offer customers a range of services including product and systems design, automation, fabrication, assembly, and large volume contract manufacturing. Our customers span a wide array of industries including aerospace, defense, mobility, healthcare, pharma, biotech, clean tech, chemicals, energy, lifestyle, food production, and industrial equipment.

Who We are Looking For:

As the Chief Engineer for Re:Build’s Drone Thesis, you will set the vision and lead the technical direction for our drone design and development efforts. You will be accountable for ensuring that Re:Build delivers world-class drone systems, integration, and design that meet the performance, safety, and reliability standards required across commercial, aerospace, government, and industrial sectors.

Working with the Drone Thesis Leader, this senior leadership role combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership. You will guide a team of engineers through all phases of development — from concept design to manufacturing launch — while also serving as a key decision-maker in multi-functional program discussions. You will define technology roadmaps, lead customer engagements, and the execution of complex, high-value programs.

Success in this role requires a strong foundation in UAV (uncrewed aerial vehicle) engineering — whether from a software, electrical or mechanical background — combined with proven leadership of high-performing technical teams and the ability to effectively engage with customers, suppliers, and Re:Build executives to drive innovation and deliver results.

What you get to do

• Lead Technical Direction: Set and drive the engineering strategy ensuring technical excellence and alignment with business objectives.
• Team Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and develop your cross-disciplinary team of engineers (mechanical, electrical, systems) to meet each program’s needs. Foster a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Program Ownership: Oversee the design and development of UAVs across disciplines, sizes, and capabilities ensuring that customer objectives are met. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Multi-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with program management, supply chain, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, avionics/electrical teams, and software groups to deliver integrated drone solutions. This collaboration will be internal to Re:Build, and this position will advise external customers across these same disciplines to meet customer requirements.
• Customer & Executive Engagement: Represent Re:Build in technical discussions with customers and business partners. Present high-quality technical results, design reviews, and recommendations to senior team members.
• Innovation & Technology Road-mapping: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and regulatory requirements. Guide adoption of new tools, processes, and materials that enhance performance and manufacturability.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all drone designs align with regulatory and legal requirements (FAA standards, Blue UAS, etc).
• Change & Risk Management: Anticipate technical risks and develop mitigation strategies. Lead the engineering response to organizational changes such as acquisitions or program pivots.
• Operational Excellence: Supervise development of supporting materials (BOMs, assembly procedures, installation guides) and ensure quality engineering documentation.

What you bring to the Team

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related subject area (required); Ph.D. preferred, with 10+ years of experience in engineering with a strong focus on UAVs or related systems.
• 5+ years of technical leadership or management experience, including building and developing engineering teams (scaling teams from ~10 personnel to 100s preferred).
• Proven track record of leading the design, development, integration, and testing of drone systems.
• Profound understanding of UAV structure, fundamentals of composition, and integration of systems (mechanical, electrical, and system integration).
• Proficiency with engineering tools (CAD such as CATIA or SolidWorks)
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (FAA requirements, Blue UAS) and certification processes.
• Strong ability to set vision, align teams, and drive execution.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) with ability to convey complex technical information to executives, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience leading change, risk, and competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Background in software architecture, simulation, and flight testing.
• Project/program management certification or equivalent experience.

The BIG payoff

We are a company who is going to make a difference in the industries and the communities in which we choose to operate.

Every employee of Re:Build will share ownership in the company and will share in the financial rewards of the success we achieve together, at all levels of the company!

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate

Re:Build Manufacturing is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.

Re:Build is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] or you may call us at 617.909.6275.