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 companys 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.
Must be a US Citizen. No visas at this time.
Key Responsibilities:
* Technical Leadership & Program Execution
o Lead the technical execution of a next-generation rotary engine program, from concept through commercialization.
o Collaborate with the VP of Engineering and senior leadership to define and drive the engine development roadmap.
o Balance innovation with practical constraints—optimizing for function, cost, manufacturability, and performance.
* Team Management & Development
o Manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers and contractors, including test, design, development, modeling, and calibration specialists.
o Recruit top engineering talent and build a cohesive, high-performance team.
o Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
* Design, Testing, and Integration
o Oversee the development, design integration, testing, and validation of engine systems and subcomponents.
o Identify opportunities to improve performance, durability, and efficiency through iterative design and hands-on prototyping.
o Coordinate BOM development, procurement, and resource allocation to meet project goals.
* Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
o Interface with key stakeholders including customers, partners, and investors.
o Participate in technical presentations, demos, and meetings to support business development and strategic partnerships.
o Maintain clear, coherent communication across technical and non-technical audiences.
* Industry Research & Innovation
o Stay on the leading edge of industry trends, research, and emerging technologies in high-efficiency engines.
o 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.