About the Opportunity

EXO Talent Partners is conducting a retained search on behalf of a fast-growing aerospace and defense manufacturer based in Central Connecticut. This company designs and qualifies custom precision components for some of the most demanding defense and space programs in the world. Their A&D business has grown 50% in the last two years and they are expanding their engineering team to keep pace.

This is a hands-on engineering role with real ownership from day one. You will take products from initial customer requirements through concept design, design reviews, qualification testing, and final delivery. If you are the kind of engineer who wants to own a product rather than support one, this is worth a conversation.

What You Will Do

• You will own the full engineering arc on new program development from requirements review and concept design through PDR and CDR gates, qualification test procedure development and execution, and direct customer delivery.
• You will interface with defense and space customers throughout the program lifecycle, present designs, defend technical decisions, and represent the engineering team externally.
• The program management team handles administrative execution.
• Your job is in engineering.

What They Are Looking For

• The ideal candidate has hands-on design engineering experience in aerospace or defense and deep familiarity with A&D qualification processes, PDR, CDR, QTP, ATP, lot acceptance testing, and technical data package ownership.
• Experience in any precision component manufacturing environment is directly relevant.
• The product category can be taught. The engineering discipline and the drive to go above and beyond cannot.
• The team is mid-career, highly collaborative, and deeply committed to their programs.
• They stay late when programs need it, come in on weekends when customers need it, and take real pride in what they build. That culture is non-negotiable.
• Energy and dedication are unteachable. If you are looking for a role where you show up, do your job, and go home, this is not the right fit.

Requirements

• 3 to 12 years of hands-on engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or adjacent precision manufacturing. Direct ownership of A&D qualification processes, you have written and executed test procedures, or managed products through PDR and CDR gates.
• Strong customer interface skills, you are comfortable presenting technical work directly to defense and space customers.
• On-site, five days a week. Relocation support available. BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline required. MS is a plus.

Compensation

$100,000 to $150,000 base salary plus 15 to 20% performance bonus. Relocation package available for the right candidate.

How to Apply

This search is being conducted exclusively by EXO Talent Partners. To be considered, send your resume directly to with the subject line "Project Engineer — A&D." All inquiries are handled confidentially.