Director of Engineering / Chief Engineer (Prometheus)

Job Descriptions:Prometheus Energetics LLC is currently seeking a Director of Engineering (Chief Engineer) to lead the technical execution, production ramp-up, and knowledge transfer required to establish Prometheus as a scalable, independent manufacturer of solid rocket motors (SRMs). Prometheus Energetics is a new US-based joint venture and will be a merchant supplier of solid rocket motors, energetics, and adjacent product areas for the US and international defense markets.This position oversees and directs all engineering functions through multiple levels of management, technical leads, and program teams. The Director of Engineering is responsible for standing up production-ready propulsion capabilities, leading the transfer of technical data packages and manufacturing know-how from parent companies, and building a self-sustaining U.S.-based engineering organization capable of supporting multi-line rate production.This role owns engineering readiness for production, configuration control integrity, and the structured capture and institutionalization of technical knowledge. Has overall responsibility for engineering planning, staffing, ramp-up execution, technical baseline control, and approval of engineering methods, standards, and production-support processes.Responsibilities:Production Ramp-Up & IndustrializationLead engineering execution to achieve production readiness across multiple SRM product linesTranslate designs and parent company technical data packages into fully producible, rate-capable manufacturing baselinesEstablish and own Engineering Readiness Levels (ERL) aligned to production milestonesDrive design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and producibility improvementsPartner with Operations to support line qualification, tooling validation, process certification, and yield improvementLead root cause investigations and corrective actions during early production rampEnsure robust margin management and performance stability during scale-upKnowledge Transfer & Technical Baseline OwnershipServe as the owner of the knowledge transfer process from parent companies to PrometheusLead structured transition of:Establish processes to convert transferred knowledge into controlled, U.S.-owned configuration baselinesTechnical data packages (TDPs)Manufacturing process documentationMaterials specifications and propellant formulationsTest data history and qualification artifactsLessons learned and tacit manufacturing knowledgeImplement documentation control and digital engineering systems to prevent knowledge lossEnsure independent analytical capability and technical authority resides within PrometheusBuild internal subject matter expertise to reduce reliance on parent-company support over timeSolid Rocket Motor Engineering OversightLead design and manufacturing engineering support for all SRM system and subsystem level designsOversee ballistic, thermal, structural, testing, and performance analyses required to support production certificationEnsure configuration control discipline across all hardware revisions and customer baselinesLead production-support engineering during static fire testing and qualification eventsCross-Functional Production SupportPartner with Operations to optimize production, fix problems, and support process improvementPartner with Quality to ensure engineering requirements are embedded in inspection and acceptance criteriaSupport explosive safety documentation and compliance in coordination with Safety & SecurityProvide engineering leadership during customer audits, production readiness reviews, and rate readiness assessmentsSupport proposal and capture efforts with producibility-informed technical volumesOrganizational & Talent DevelopmentBuild and lead an engineering organization structured for rate production supportDetermine staffing plans aligned to production line expansionDevelop internal technical leaders and subject matter experts in key propulsion disciplinesCreate structured onboarding and training programs to accelerate workforce capabilityFoster a culture of technical rigor, safety, accountability, and execution disciplineReports to: Chief Operating OfficerRequired Experience:Qualifications:Demonstrated expertise in solid rocket motor design and productionExperience transitioning from development to full rate manufacturingProven experience managing technical data packages and configuration baselinesExperience executing structured knowledge transfer between organizationsStrong understanding of systems engineering, configuration management, and production control processesExperience supporting DoW production programs and customer oversightStrong executive-level communication skills and ability to brief government and industry leadershipAbility to maintain sensitive and classified information as required by government standardsAbility to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearanceMust be a US Citizen due to the nature of the workEducation and Experience:BS from accredited institution in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (other related degrees will be considered).Advanced degree highly desired15+ years of progressive SRM engineering experience10+ years of engineering leadership experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environmentsDirect experience in production ramp-up or industrial transfer highly desiredWork Environment:Office, factory, and explosive test facility environmentsAbility to stand and sit for long periods of timeAbility to work in hazardous material and explosive environments with appropriate PPEAbility to lift up to 25 poundsLocation: Bloomfield, Indiana areaTravel Required: Moderate during production ramp-up and knowledge transfer phases, including domestic and international travel as requiredKeyword: solid rocket motor, manufacturingKratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.Disability Accessibility AccommodationIf you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.Pay TransparencyThe company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.Job Applicant Privacy NoticeFor applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.From: Kratos Defense