Technical lead Aerostructures - Rochester, NH

Job Responsibilities

The Aerostructures Technical Lead will be responsible for driving innovation, technical excellence, and strategic growth in the design, development and TRL advancement of composite aerostructures at AEC. This technology leader will define technology roadmaps, guide engineering teams, and ensure that AEC's aerostructure solutions meet geometrical, performance, safety, cost, and certification requirements. The role also requires strong engagement with customers (both domestic and international) to understand their needs, communicate AEC's capabilities, and ensure delivery of competitive solutions.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the aerostructures technology roadmap to align with business and customer needs.
• Provide technical leadership for composite structure design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing.
• Oversee structural trade studies balancing weight, cost, performance and manufacturability.
• Drive technology maturation by advancing composite structure solutions between TRL 3 to 5, ensuring readiness for integration into development and production programs.
• Identify and select appropriate composite manufacturing methods, such as weaving, braiding, layup, DFP, or hybrid approaches, to ensure optimal performance, cost and manufacturability.
• Develop and oversee integration of in-process inspection systems for accuracy and defect detection.
• Engage with customers to understand requirements, communicate capabilities, and ensure delivery of commitments.
• Provide support for bids, proposals, and business development activities.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams and tooling suppliers to ensure robust, production-ready designs.
• Mentor and develop engineering and technicians talent in composite structures best practices.

Qualifications/Characteristics

Knowledge / Experience:

• The ideal candidate for the Aerostructures Technical Lead need to possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership ability, and customer engagement skills.
• Deep technical knowledge in one of the core areas of composite engineering, as well as working knowledge in other core areas. Core areas of composite engineering include: design and analysis, composite manufacturing, performance and qualification, micromechanics and multi-scale modeling.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree is considered a strong plus. Alternate experience and education may be considered.
• 10+ year experience in the aerospace field, with a strong background in composite materials.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, such as weaving, layup, forming, tooling, automated fiber placement, resin transfer molding, etc.
• Strong track record of leading engineering teams and delivering complex structural solutions.
• Strong communication skills, ability to engage with leadership, customers, and technical teams.
• Proven track record of advancing aerostructure solutions between TRL 3 and 5 and/or in low-rate production environment.

Skills:

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams in research or development environment
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites.
• Strong background in composite manufacturing methods, including development of custom forming dies, fixtures, and handling tools.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills
• Advanced computer proficiency level using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint).

Abilities:

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills within collaborative, team-based environments
• Ability to assess complex technical landscapes and extract key insights and guiding principles
• Willingness to learn new concepts, tools, and technologies
• Willingness to engage in hands-on work in a dynamic environment
• Strong action orientation with a results-driven mindset, sound decision-making abilities, and a focus on customer success
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality