Join Actus Advanced Systems, a veteran-led company at the forefront of developing next-generation autonomous aerial cargo systems designed for critical and challenging logistics operations. Our mission is to enable assured sustainment and operational agility in complex environments by revolutionizing cargo handling for VTOL aircraft.

As a small but growing team, this is a unique opportunity to directly shape the future of Actus Advanced Systems.

You'll be instrumental in growing the engineering team as well as shaping an action oriented innovative culture. You will be hands-on every step of the way, taking design projects from concept through full production.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Build and manage a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineers and technical leads.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems disciplines.
• Provide technical direction for all programs, ensuring design integrity, safety, and performance across hardware and software systems.
• Represent the company’s engineering capabilities to customers, partners, and government agencies.
• Oversee engineering execution from concept through prototype, integration, and flight test or field demonstration.
• Establish and enforce engineering processes and quality systems consistent with AS9100, ISO, and MIL-STD best practices.
• Identify emerging technologies relevant to autonomy, propulsion, materials, and mission systems for future integration.
• Support technology transition planning to move prototypes into production-ready systems.
• Serve as a key liaison between engineering, program management, operations, and executive leadership.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, white papers, and status reports for executive and government audiences.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in technical leadership or management.
• Experience executing and managing DoD or NASA R&D programs
• Experience leading full lifecycle engineering efforts — from requirements and design through test and field demonstration.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong command of systems engineering principles, configuration management, and model-based engineering.
• Deep understanding of government contracting environments and technical data deliverables.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to engage technical teams and executive stakeholders alike.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, schedules, and engineering resource plans.

Preferred Attributes:

• Active or eligible for a U.S. DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance.
• Background in unmanned systems, autonomy, or advanced air mobility platforms.
• Experience with technology transition from R&D to production.
• Familiarity with Agile development, and digital engineering
• Experience with CAD, simulation, and MBSE tools (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink, etc.)