Principal Engineer Technology Management Application

About POWERTECH

POWERTECH is a center of excellence for propulsion technologies, specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of combustion engines, expendable turbojet engines, and turbofan engines for a wide range of aerospace, defence, and autonomous applications, including fixed- and rotary-wing UAVs and other advanced platforms.

Job Summary

Powertech is seeking a Principal Engineer – Technology Management & Application Development to translate our world-class additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities into deployable solutions for next-generation propulsion systems.

Reporting to the Division Manager and serving as part of the leadership team, you will own the AM technology roadmap, steer application engineering sprints from concept through TRL 6–7 prototypes, and mentor a multi-disciplinary engineering team. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic foresight, and leadership to ensure Powertech remains at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Roadmap

• Develop and maintain a 3-year AM technology and application roadmap linked to Powertech’s strategic priorities and TRL/MRL gates.
• Conduct horizon scans and proof-of-concept studies on emerging processes, alloys, and digital manufacturing threads.
  
  

• Lead Design-for-AM (DfAM) sprints with internal design teams covering requirement capture, topology optimization, lattice structures, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Serve as Chief Engineer for demonstrator builds, ensuring performance, weight, and cost targets are met.
  
  

• Provide authoritative design and process guidance, reviewing high-risk build files, post-processing protocols, and qualification test plans.
• Mentor and coach application, prototype, and IP engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and rapid learning.
  
  

• Identify patentable inventions, manage invention disclosures, and coordinate filings with Legal.
• Support technology transfer and innovation agreements with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

• Ensure application programs comply with all relevant aerospace, defense, and quality standards.
• Track schedules, budgets, risks, and report progress to leadership.
  
  

• Education: M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 5+ years in additive manufacturing or advanced product development, with at least 2+ years at Principal/Lead level.
• Domain Expertise: Mastery of metal AM processes (PBF-LB, EBM, DED, WAAM) and polymer/composite AM, including process qualification and certification.
• Leadership: Proven record of leading cross-functional engineering teams and influencing executive stakeholders.
  
  

• Familiarity with PLM/MES tools and data-lake architectures for in-situ monitoring and digital manufacturing.
• Knowledge of patent landscaping and technology transfer agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to brief senior military and executive audiences.