Chief Engineer - Aircraft at Crgo

At Crgo, we are building the future of logistics by developing a next-generation air cargo solution. We are a venture-backed startup creating hybrid-electric autonomous VTOL aircraft paired with safety-focused ground infrastructure, marking a first in the industry. Our heavy-lift, long-range vehicles are designed to elevate supply chain capabilities by offering charter-level service at freight prices, effectively disrupting the 150 billion dollar air cargo market. Our leadership team consists of experts from aviation, robotics, and logistics who bring a history of successful exits and significant regulatory achievements. We are currently looking for a Chief Engineer - Aircraft to join our team in an on-site capacity and lead the development of our aircraft systems.

Key outcomes

• Strategically build and grow our autonomous aircraft development team from the ground up.
• Take full ownership of the aircraft design process, guiding it from initial development through to the manufacturing and production stages.
• Lead the execution of the design, build, and testing phases to ensure all critical milestones and delivery deadlines are met.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and program management to develop and maintain the technical program schedule.
• Manage progress across all development departments to ensure efficiency, harmony, and the swift removal of any roadblocks.
• Foster a creative and productive work environment that empowers the technical team to focus on high-impact tasks.
• Serve as the primary technical face of our product while maintaining a proactive, optimistic, and solution-oriented approach.
• Travel domestically and internationally for up to 30 percent of the time.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering field.
• At least 10 years of technical and management experience within the commercial or DOD aerospace sectors.
• A minimum of 3 years in leadership roles with direct personnel and P&L responsibilities.
• Proven experience with aircraft certification processes.
• A demonstrable track record of leading an aircraft design team.
• Experience in the successful development and delivery of complex hardware and software systems on schedule.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities and requirements shift frequently.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Preferred qualifications

• Direct experience delivering large VTOL or autonomous aircraft.
• Expertise in aligning priorities, managing complex resources, and coordinating timelines.
• A broad understanding of major aircraft systems, such as aerodynamics, flight controls, structures, avionics, powertrain, and mission software, with deep expertise in at least one area.
• Strong self-awareness and the ability to identify and fill capability gaps within the team.
• Proficiency with systems engineering, requirements management, CAD, software engineering, and program management tools.
• An empathetic, collaborative nature with the ability to listen and communicate plans persuasively.
• A detail-oriented mindset, excellent judgment, and a genuine passion for aviation.

Compensation

We offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members. This includes a 401k plan with a company match, stock options, and a significant equity grant for this senior leadership role. Our comprehensive benefits also feature generous healthcare coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, HSA options, unlimited PTO, flexible work policies, free on-site parking, and a well-stocked office with snacks and coffee.

How to apply

If you are an ambitious leader ready to tackle the challenges of autonomous aviation, we invite you to apply to join our team. We look forward to reviewing your experience and discussing how you can help us shape the future of the air cargo industry.