Principal/Lead Systems Engineer

RFD Beaufort, Inc. is seeking a Principal/Lead Systems Engineer in Virginia Beach, VA to lead design engineering efforts for Aircrew Flight Equipment used in military applications. In this onsite role, you will guide engineering delivery, support product innovation, and help ensure safety and compliance while mentoring a Design Engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver top-tier design engineering expertise within contract terms or service level agreements, including planning, coordinating, and supervising major contracts.
• Improve existing product designs and develop product roadmap changes, new product developments, and updates through Beaufort’s NPD and change management process.
• Manage the knowledge management system, including contributions to its development and effective knowledge sharing.
• Respond to emerging design, quality, safety, and operational issues by identifying causes, barriers, stakeholders, and related concerns.
• Develop procedures and interpret regulatory requirements to support product compliance and best practice, while monitoring commercial success of product development activities.
• Assess feasibility for complex products and services and provide recommendations for development, replacement, or retirement.
• Oversee a portfolio of change projects and report progress to senior colleagues.
• Recommend improvements to policies, processes, standards, and practices.
• Evaluate and identify solutions that best meet business and customer needs.

Requirements

• At least 5-10 years of engineering experience in industry.
• Extensive engineering experience within the aerospace industry.
• Experience with system-level integration, finite element analysis, and strong mechanical skills.
• Experience with product certification for aviation applications under Military or Federal regulations.
• Background and knowledge in materials science.
• People management and supervisory experience: 2-5 years in an Engineering Lead or middle management role.
• Degree in Engineering: BEng/MEng/BSc/MSc, preferably mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Technologies

• Finite element analysis

Desirable Criteria

• Professional / Chartered Engineer status.
• Experience in product safety.
• Knowledge and experience of inflatable / pressure vessel type products.
• Knowledge and experience of coated textiles / films manufacturing joining processes (for example, high frequency and ultrasonic welding).

Company Values

• Drive: Passion and commitment to purposeful, bold action.
• Collaboration: Breaking down silos with collective strength and accountability.
• Innovation: Challenging convention and improving to create value.
• Resolve: Proactive problem solving that anticipates change and turns challenges into opportunities.