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Chief Engineer

Sandusky, OH

NOTE: WindWright positions are contingent on contract award expected June 2025

WindWright, a subsidiary of Stratolaunch, accelerates hypersonic development by improving the capacity and capabilities of ground test facilities using digital engineering environments.  Our advanced modeling and simulation, synthesized with ground and flight test data, are integrated into authoritative digital models that advance ground test productivity, accuracy, and repeatability improvements across the full customer development campaign. WindWright’s digital engineering framework also enables efficient test planning, rapid test data review, and deeper analysis of the test results, leading to reduced customer costs and risks.

To achieve these efforts, WindWright seeks a Chief Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, commissioning, and operation of hypersonic ground test facilities. This position requires guiding and developing a multi-disciplined group of engineers and suppliers that perform modeling & simulations, system and subsystem design, safety assessments, capability & capacity improvements for ground test facilities with an emphasis on systems engineering and balancing system-of-system-level decisions to meet customer and internal requirements. In this role, you will be responsible for all aspects of mechanical, electro-mechanical, fluid, thermal, control systems and instrumentation for a wind tunnel facility. An ideal candidate will have experience and engineering judgment in aerothermodynamics, aero-propulsion, thermal-structural-mechanical design, controls and hypersonic ground test systems.

 

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Work hand-in-hand with the Program Manager, Systems Engineer and engineering team to lead the program to a successful outcome, filling in gaps where needed
  • Lead a diverse team of multi-disciplined engineers to execute the development of hypersonic ground test facilities..
  • Lead trade studies and make final technical decisions, requiring balance across a wide breadth of disciplines, including: aerothermodynamics, structures, controls, fluid systems, etc.
  • Guide the team to identify and resolve system-level architecture requirements issues
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks through risk-reduction testing campaigns
  • Lead the successful execution of design reviews to advance the program through manufacturing and into flight test
  • Create engineering staffing plans and identify skillset gaps in the team

 

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

  • Significant experience with the development and operation of ground test facilities
  • Proficient with systems engineering practices, tools, and approaches
  • Significant experience as a design engineering lead and/or analyst on more than ground test systems
  • Significant experience leading or participating in ground test campaigns
  • Experience with technical risk identification, management, and mitigation
  • Significant experience working with and maintaining customer relationships
  • Experience working in small engineering teams where each member often has multiple responsibilities
  • Experience and comfort working in engineering environments without significant processes and guard-rails in place
  • Proficient with MS Office
  • Familiarity with configuration management systems such as JIRA, GIT, JAMA, etc.
  • Excellent written & verbal communication 
  • Citizenship / ability to hold a US security clearance (Active TS/SCI clearance is preferred)

Preferred:

  • Experience with hypersonic ground test facility development
  • Experience with modeling & simulation
  • Active security clearance
  • Experience with Siemens NX/Teamcenter

Required computer skills:

  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Education/experience/certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment

  • Travel estimated to be approximately <10%
  • Position is based in Sandusky, Ohio
  • Position is contingent upon contract award
  • Applicants must be a US Person able to obtain a security clearance to be considered for this role
  • #LI-Onsite

Benefits and our location:

  • Relocation eligible to local area – Sandusky, OH
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan up to the IRS annual limit
  • Tuition reimbursement

 

 

Sandusky, Ohio, is nestled along the southern shore of Lake Erie, offering an affordable lifestyle with easy access to some of the Midwest’s best attractions. Known for its small-town charm and scenic views, Sandusky is just an hour's drive from Cleveland, providing central access to a range of outdoor and urban activities.

 

For adventure seekers, Sandusky is home to the world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park, known for its record-breaking roller coasters and thrilling attractions. Lake Erie offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront fun, with nearby islands like Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay perfect for day trips. Nature lovers can explore local parks and the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located just a couple of hours away.

 

Not big on the outdoors? You’re within a short drive of Cleveland, Toledo, and Detroit, cities filled with live entertainment, museums, professional sports teams, and cultural sights like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The area is also rich in history, with Sandusky playing a key role in the Underground Railroad, and the nearby Marblehead Lighthouse offering a glimpse into Ohio’s maritime past.

 

For food enthusiasts, Sandusky and the surrounding region offer a variety of culinary delights, from local seafood fresh from Lake Erie to renowned ice cream at Toft’s Dairy. Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the Lake Erie Wine Trail, while craft beer fans can sample locally brewed options at Sandusky’s growing number of breweries.


Applicants must be a US Person to be considered for this role-

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in 22 C.F.R. 120.67, which includes (a) U.S. citizens; (b) U.S. nationals; (c) U.S. lawful permanent residents; (d) persons granted refugee status; and (e) persons granted asylum.

WindWright is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

 


Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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