Head of Engineering

Role Summary:

This position leads, mentors, and grows a high-performing engineering team responsible for the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced mechanical components and assemblies for Hera Technologies’ industry-leading thermal protection systems (TPS). Operating at a senior leadership level, the Head of Engineering will drive operational excellence by managing team schedules, resource allocation, and department KPIs, while overseeing the full lifecycle from concept through production scalability. The role requires close, strategic partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to champion company-wide initiatives, support business development through technical proposals and SOW generation, and ensure strict compliance with aerospace and defense standards. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of deep technical expertise in advanced materials, composites, and ruggedized hardware, paired with a proven track record of scaling manufacturing processes, enforcing rigorous quality controls, and fostering engineering talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing engineering team, driving recruitment, hiring, and onboarding initiatives while managing resource allocation, team schedules, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational excellence.
• Direct the design, development, and manufacturing of mechanical components and assemblies for Hera’s industry-leading thermal protection systems (TPS), including soft goods, composites, and engineered surface finishes.
• Partner closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to champion company-wide initiatives and implement scalable manufacturing and assembly processes that guarantee quality, efficiency, and strict compliance with aerospace and defense standards.
• Hands on support of existing programs/projects, technical proposals, cost estimations, and statement of work (SOW) generation to support business development and capture new program opportunities in thermal protection systems and critical aerospace structures.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and enforcement of rigorous process documentation and controls to ensure consistent production outcomes and optimize throughput across the design, prototyping, and manufacturing lifecycles.
• Champion the adoption of traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques for metallics, composites, and high-temperature materials, ensuring performance, durability, and production scalability.
• Drive high-level root cause analyses to investigate material failures, process anomalies, and manufacturing defects, leading the implementation of permanent corrective actions across both development and production phases.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical design and manufacturing experience, with a proven track record of managing engineering teams and technical programs focused on metallics, composites, and thermal protection systems (TPS).
• Demonstrated experience hiring, mentoring, and leading high-performing engineering teams, including establishing team schedules, managing resource allocation, and tracking KPIs to drive operational success.
• Proven leadership in directing major engineering projects from concept through production, involving mechanical systems, softgoods, and polymer-based components in the aerospace or defense sectors.
• Deep technical expertise in thermal protection systems, composite manufacturing processes, material properties, and relevant aerospace testing standards, with the ability to provide detailed-level engineering guidance.
• Experience supporting business development initiatives, including assisting with technical proposals, cost estimations, and statements of work (SOW).
• Strong background overseeing the creation of manufacturing and build plans, rigorous process documentation, and quality controls to ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards.
• Strategic understanding of CAD workflows, advanced prototyping, and fabrication techniques (such as machining, composite layups, and bonding) to effectively manage engineering throughput.
• Deep knowledge and experience of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to track inventory, manage bills of materials (BOMs), and streamline production and engineering workflows.
• Expertise leading root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions for complex material failures, process anomalies, and manufacturing defects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; an advanced degree (Master's or MBA) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic oversight of CAD/CAM workflows and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems to effectively manage engineering data, configuration control, and production workflows across the department.
• Deep expertise in GD&T principles (per ASME Y14.5) with the ability to review, approve, and establish corporate standards for aerospace-grade engineering drawings.
• Extensive background directing advanced design and manufacturing methodologies across CNC machining, composites, ceramics, sheet metal, and injection molding, including tooling and mold development.
• Proven ability to foster high-level cross-functional alignment, seamlessly collaborating with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program management to drive company initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing qualification and certification campaigns for aerospace and defense hardware, including ruggedized systems and TPS components.
• Strong technical leadership in design methodologies for harsh environments, ensuring team deliverables meet strict requirements for durability, thermal resilience, and mechanical integrity.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain and maintain one, to oversee controlled defense-related programs and secure facilities.
• PhD. or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, combined with extensive leadership experience in advanced material applications.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
• Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
• May require use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, in accordance with Cal/OSHA safety standards.
• Occasional travel to supplier or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.

Job Details

FLSA Classifications: Salary (Exempt)

Type: Full Time

Business Hours: Core (flexibility to support project needs beyond standard times)

Salary Range: $120,000 to $170,000

Reports to: VP of Engineering

Base Location: Irvine, CA

Travel: Up to 10%