The Director of Platform Engineering – Aircraft/Spacecraft Integration is responsible for leading the end-to-end integration of major subsystems into a cohesive and fully functional aerospace platform. This role sits at the intersection of engineering execution, systems integration, and program strategy, ensuring that all mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, software, and structural elements work together to meet stringent system-level requirements. The Director will lead multidisciplinary teams through the design, development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft or spacecraft platforms, bridging subsystems into a certified, manufacturable, and operational product.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the integration of propulsion, avionics, mechanical, structural, thermal, electrical, and software systems into complete aircraft or spacecraft platforms
Define and enforce technical architecture, platform requirements, and integration strategies aligned with mission profiles and operational objectives
Oversee system interfaces, load paths, physical packaging, and platform-level trade studies to optimize performance, mass, reliability, and manufacturability
Drive coordination across engineering teams, suppliers, and program stakeholders to resolve cross-system dependencies and ensure technical compatibility
Manage platform-level requirements development, validation & verification (V&V), interface control documentation (ICD), and compliance tracking
Serve as a technical authority on system-level integration issues, anomaly resolution, and end-to-end functional verification
Govern platform-level design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR), including integration maturity metrics and risk assessments
Lead platform configuration management, change control, and alignment with system safety, reliability, and regulatory standards (FAA, NASA, DoD, etc.)
Support flight test planning, ground test execution, and validation campaigns from integration through mission readiness
Collaborate with program management, manufacturing, and mission operations to ensure platform designs are production-ready and supportable
Key Focus Areas:
Holistic system-level integration of complex aerospace platforms (aircraft or spacecraft)
Multi-disciplinary engineering coordination (mechanical, electrical, propulsion, software, structures, etc.)
Technical ownership of interface design, functional validation, and system verification
Platform-level configuration, architecture definition, and mission alignment
Risk management, performance optimization, and compliance across integrated systems
Leadership of engineering execution across the platform lifecycle—from concept to launch or certification
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline required
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or Program/Systems Management strongly preferred
Certifications:
INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification preferred
PMP, SAFe, or Agile certifications a plus
Experience:
15+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry with 5+ years in a senior technical or platform integration leadership role
Proven track record of leading complex aircraft or spacecraft development programs through system integration and test phases
Deep understanding of platform architecture, physical and functional interfaces, and full-system engineering processes
Experience with flight hardware development, environmental testing, mission integration, and operations support
Background in regulatory compliance and certification for FAA, DoD, or space agency programs (e.g., NASA, ESA)
Technical Skills:
Strong proficiency in systems engineering tools and methodologies (DOORS, Cameo, MBSE frameworks)
Familiarity with CAD/CAE platforms (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks), analysis tools (ANSYS, MATLAB), and PLM systems
Understanding of digital twin, model-based integration, and digital thread technologies
Soft Skills:
Visionary leader with cross-functional influence and strategic systems thinking
Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to operate across technical and executive audiences
Strong decision-making capabilities under uncertainty, with a focus on technical rigor and delivery outcomes
High emotional intelligence, able to lead diverse engineering teams in high-pressure environments