Chief Engineer - Launched Effect - SlingWorks

Elbit America•Fort Worth, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Elbit America is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. The role will be based in SlingWorks®, our advanced R&D organization responsible for executing strategic development programs, exploring emerging technologies, and enabling the growth of our business units by solving some of the most complex challenges on the modern battlefield. Problem set spans all domains with near term focus on Launched Effects & Munitions, Warfighter Borne Vision & XR Systems, Autonomy & ATR, Counter Intrusion & Protection, and concept validation. SlingWorks® is seeking a hands‑on Launched Effects Chief Engineer & Architect to drive the architecture, development, and fielding of Launched Effects (LE) family of systems. You will lead the fielding of an existing LE system and architect the next‑generation Launched Effect, advancing platform performance, autonomy, survivability, and mission effectiveness in contested environments. This role requires diligence in multiple-disciplines with emphasis on System Integration and Air Vehicle development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent); advanced degree preferred.
10+ years leading development of UAS/air vehicles or small unmanned systems, from concept through flight test and fielding.
Demonstrated expertise in structures/aero/propulsion, avionics & power, GNC/autonomy, communications/datalinks, and payload integration.
Hands‑on experience with flight testing, V&V, environmental qualification (thermal, vibration, shock), and EMI/EMC.
Strong systems engineering skills: requirements decomposition, modeling/simulation, trades, interface definition, risk management, and configuration control.
Prior role as Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or equivalent technical authority on rapid R&D and transition programs.
Must be comfortable operating across multiple disciplines and engaging with senior Subject Matter Experts in each
Detail oriented and comfortable with programmatic hands on work, including MS Office suite
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Able to work independently and as part of a diverse, cross-functional team
Exhibit a strong work ethic to support integration with both onsite and remote teams
Ability to work across sites and champion unified team culture
Able to constructively work with supply base

Responsibilities

Technical leadership across the LE portfolio with emphasis on the air vehicle (structures, propulsion, power, avionics, GNC, autonomy, payload integration, comms/datalinks, environmental qualification).
Fielding the existing system: lead verification/validation, flight test planning and execution, qualification (environmental, EMI/EMC), safety and airworthiness packages, logistics support, and training artifacts.
Design authority for the next‑gen LE air vehicle: drive system requirements, CONOPS, TPMs, trade studies, performance modeling, and down‑selects; own the technical baseline and configuration control.
Integration & launch interfaces: coordinate with launcher/platform teams (e.g., ground/air platforms) for mechanical, electrical, and software integration; oversee separation dynamics and safe‑arm‑fire considerations as applicable.
Autonomy & GNC: Support algorithms and flight software maturation, HITL/SITL testbeds, and robust flight controls under degraded GPS/comms.
Payloads & sensing: establish open payload interfaces; lead trades for ISR/EO/IR/RF effects, power/thermal budgets, and mission data handling.
Communications & networking: define resilient datalinks, spectrum considerations, and swarming/teaming concepts; ensure cybersecurity and resiliency are engineered in.
Certification & compliance: guide airworthiness strategies, safety analyses, and applicable standards; coordinate with customers and authorities on test/qualification acceptance.
Program partnership: collaborate with Program Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to align cost/schedule/performance; support capture/proposals and technical customer engagement.
Mentorship: develop engineering talent; instill rigorous systems thinking and disciplined configuration management across the team.

Benefits

Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
Flexible Vacation & PTO
Paid Parental Leave
Generous Employee Referral Program
Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identify Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

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