Head of Engineering

About the role

Head of Engineering

Hera Technologies operates at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and mission-critical performance. We specialize in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our focus on thermal support systems demands engineering leadership of the highest caliber. This role represents a foundational duty order to drive operational excellence and technical innovation across our production infrastructure.

Role Summary

The Head of Engineering provides strategic direction and operational oversight for a high-performing engineering team dedicated to the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced mechanical components and assemblies. The primary focus is the lifecycle management of thermal protection systems (TPS), from initial concept design through production scalability and field deployment. This senior leadership position is responsible for managing team performance, resource allocation, and department key performance indicators. The role requires deep strategic partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional departments to champion organizational initiatives. The individual in this role will drive business development through technical proposal preparation and Statement of Work generation. Success in this position requires ensuring strict adherence to aerospace and defense standards and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate brings over ten years of specialized technical expertise in advanced materials, composites, and ruggedized hardware integration. A proven history of scaling manufacturing processes, enforcing rigorous quality controls, and developing engineering talent is essential.

Key Responsibilities

This position owns the end-to-end engineering rhythm for thermal structural programs. The role involves designing complex metal and composite solutions, guiding multidisciplinary teams from raw concept to reliable field units. Engineering schedules and production timelines must be meticulously coordinated with evolving client requirements in aerospace markets.

Specific duties include establishing intake criteria for new thermal system projects in collaboration with sales and business analysis teams. The role encompasses designing bracket frameworks and load paths while coordinating detailed analysis and test planning protocols. The Head of Engineering will coordinate build activities to align tooling, fixturing, and manufacturing flow specifically for composite materials and assemblies. Verification data must be reviewed rigorously to confirm that all parts meet exacting structural and thermal performance requirements. The position manages the creation of shipping documentation packages to satisfy stringent audit trails and customer inspection checkpoints.

Strategic partnership with the supply chain department is critical for securing materials, managing change orders, and forecasting production capacity. The role establishes formal review cadences that synchronize engineering, quality assurance, and production stakeholders. Champions of standards compliance will ensure that design controls, configuration management, and formal approval workflows remain audit ready at all times. Clear and concise communication with executive sponsors and cross-functional partners regarding program direction and technical risks is a core competency.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a minimum of ten years of hands-on experience in aerospace thermal protection systems or related structural engineering fields. A comprehensive command of advanced materials, composites, and ruggedized hardware integration methodologies is required. The ability to scale manufacturing processes while enforcing strict quality controls, traceability, and documentation integrity is mandatory.

A demonstrated history of mentoring engineers and guiding technical career growth within teams is essential. Expertise in design controls, configuration management, and formal regulatory approval workflows is non-negotiable. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to executive sponsors and cross-functional partners is required for success.

Compensation and Location

This is a full-time position based in Irvine, California. The compensation package includes a base salary of $180,000.00. This offer is contingent upon meeting the requirement of ten years of relevant technical experience.

Professional Growth

Joining Hera Technologies means advancing your career within a company committed to excellence. Your contributions will be recognized, and your potential will be realized through meaningful impact on current aerospace technology. Take the next step and apply today.