Lead Engineer - Research and Development

and what YOU can become We are seeking a proactive, highly organized Lead Research and Development (R&D) Engineer that will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing innovative products, systems, or technologies that align with our organization's strategic goals. This role combines engineering knowledge with creative real-world problem-solving to advance new concepts from ideation through prototype design, verification, and product launch. You will collaborate cross-functionally with product management, manufacturing, testing, quality, and external partners to ensure successful development and integration of new technologies. This role is ideal for an engineer who is organized, resourceful, curious, and comfortable working across technical disciplines. You will have an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of engineering development programs and grow toward increasing levels of project and technical leadership responsibility. Who WE are and where WE are going At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day. From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio. We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future. A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none. At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company's expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it's materials and processing expertise. What YOU will do Lead the design and development of new products, components, and technologies from concept to commercialization. Conduct research to identify technical solutions, emerging technologies, and opportunities for innovation. Create prototypes, run experiments, and perform testing to validate design assumptions and meet performance requirements. Develop detailed engineering documentation, including specifications, CAD models, drawings, test plans, and reports. Analyze data, interpret test results, and iterate designs using engineering best practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, regulatory compliance, and cost effectiveness. Define technology roadmaps, product development strategies, and long-term R&D initiatives. Evaluate supplier capabilities, materials, and manufacturing processes for new designs. Communicate project status, risks, and technical insights to stakeholders at all levels. Coordinate project meetings, planning sessions, and technical reviews. Maintain awareness of industry trends, competitive technologies, and engineering advancements. What YOU must bring to Succeed Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, or another related engineering or technical field. 5+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical and structural design or equivalent education/experience. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to coordinate multiple simultaneous activities, priorities, and workstreams. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Familiarity with mechanical testing and instrumentation. Familiarization with composite part design. Demonstrated ability to take ownership of actions and follow through to completion. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard engineering/project-management tools. This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A 'U.S. Person,' as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status. Desired Characteristics Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering or scientific discipline. Experience in prototyping, advanced manufacturing, or rapid iteration environments. Knowledge of regulatory or industry-specific standards. Familiarity with project management frameworks and development lifecycles (e.g., Agile). Experience with simulation tools, statistical analysis, or automation. Experience supporting engineering development programs involving multiple technical disciplines. Experience in aerospace composites or advanced manufacturing. Experience with engineering CAD design software (e.g. CATIA). Proactive, resourceful, and strongly oriented toward follow-through and closure. Curious and willing to ask questions to understand unfamiliar technical and project issues. Comfortable engaging directly with team members to understand progress and identify obstacles. Sound judgment regarding when to act independently and when to escalate. Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working across different technical disciplines and levels of the organization. At ST Engineering, we offer great rewards , competitive pay , career advancement and growth opportunities . Estimate salary range for this role: $92,000 to $138,100 per year. ST Engineering considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package. ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits: As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date Health Flexible Spending Accounts Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes Immediate 401k vesting Educational Assistance Life Insurance Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff) Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings. It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We're proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's through our differences that innovative changes are made. ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us .