Chief Project Engineer, Helicopters

Job DescriptionJob Title: Chief Project Engineer, HelicoptersWorking Pattern: FulltimeWorking location: Indianapolis, INAs the Chief Project Engineer for the Helicopters business, you will be accountable for delivery of engineering solutions to cost, schedule, and quality from problem identification to entry into service. You will work with the other members of the Engineering Leadership (Project CDE, CLE, and the functional Technical Leads) to provide technical and programmatic leadership and governance for engineers working on the Helicopter projects and problems. You will be the lead technical interface for production to external customers and certification authorities for new design definitions. You will support the Chief LifeCycle Engineer in the delivery of service solutions and fleet product safety management.The Helicopter Program is a dynamic business that supports delivery of hundreds of new engines each year to 6+ different Airframers while providing aftermarket support to a global fleet of over 16,000 in-service engines in the M250, RR300, and CTS800 family of engines. Our customers rely on our product to fly missions which provide critical safety and humanitarian services to communities throughout the world.Why Rolls-Royce?Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. We design, build and service systems that provide critical power to customers where safety and reliability are paramount.We are proud to be a force for progress, powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.We want to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that has shaped our history continues into our future and we need people like you to come and join us on this journey.Rolls-Royce has been recognized as the top employer in the Engineering & Manufacturing category on the prestigious Forbes Top Employers for Engineers list for 2025. This ranking highlights our commitment to innovation, employee development, and fostering a collaborative environment where engineers can thrive.Be part of a team that sets the industry standard and drives groundbreaking solutions.At Rolls-Royce, we are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We foster a welcoming and innovative work environment that invests in you, giving you access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities where you can grow your career and make a difference.Rolls-Royce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics.Key Responsibilities:Define and maintain product requirements through interfaces with the Customer (including airframer) and business/functional areas across the entire life cycleLead technical interface for new production to internal/external operations, external customers and certification authorities for new design definitions and production technical issuesDefine and execute the technical program of work that delivers solutions to resolve product problems or improve product capability, at all levels of product definition, that satisfies all the product and project requirements, and is compliant to Rolls-Royce Management SystemLead the change management process within engineering to ensure that the level of change and implementation are managedAssist the Chief Engineer and Chief Lifecycle Engineer with assuring and managing product safety through compliant use of proven processes and support closure strategies to timely completion.Working with the members of the ELT, establish and maintain the overall project governance to ensure that technical quality, schedule and cost targets are achievedImplement effective Risk Management and Project Gated Review Processes for the program of work required to deliver business objectivesChampion engineering performance metrics, including commitment to continuous improvementEnsure engineering load and capacity are consistent with program budgetsRepresent the Chief Engineer as requiredWho we're looking for:At Rolls-Royce we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form the behaviours that guide us and are an essential component of our assessment process. They are the fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.Basic Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 5+ years of related experience, ORA Masters degree in Engineering with 3+ years experience, ORJD/PhD in EngineeringTo be considered for this role you must be a US citizenPreferred Requirements:At least 7 years or more experience in the technical management of projects / programmes of increasing complexity.Engineering experience in all stages of a project lifecycle and has been responsible for the delivery of one or more of those stages.Experience in or working with multiple functions such as test operations, supply chain/procurement, contracts, etc.Experience with sub-system and whole engine system integrationExperience in understanding and managing Customer and senior management expectations.Experience executing new product introduction (NPI), design change, and risk management processesLeading and managing multi-disciplinary teams to successful outcomesAbility to deal with ambiguity, take decisions and make recommendations with minimal data.Ability to quickly understand the key technical issues in potentially complex technical problems on unfamiliar subjectsProven ability to exercise sound technical and business judgement.What we offerWe offer excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.Your needs are as unique as you are. Hybrid working is a way in which our people can balance their time between the office, home, or another remote location. It's a locally managed and flexed informal discretionary arrangement.#CLOLI#CLODEFJob CategoryValidation and VerificationJob Posting Date12 May 2026; 00:05Pay Range$119,520 - $194,220-AnnuallyLocation:Indianapolis, INBenefitsRolls-Royce provides a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that includes base pay and a discretionary bonus plan. Eligible employees may have the opportunity to enroll in other benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; a flexible spending account; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off; certain paid holidays; paid parental and family care leave; tuition reimbursement; and a long-term incentive plan. The options available to an employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as date of hire, employment type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.