Lead Engineer (Aerial Refueling Systems)

STS Technical Services is hiring a Lead Engineer specializing in Aerial Refueling Systems in Melbourne, Florida.

This position supports defense aerospace proposal development for the C-390 Millennium, a next-generation military multi-mission aircraft. The selected candidate will serve as a senior technical reference within the Defense & Security Proposals team, supporting pre-sales technical development, customer engagement, and system-level solution design related to fuel and air-to-air refueling systems.

If you have experience designing, integrating, and certifying aeronautical systems within the defense sector, this is a high-impact opportunity to shape advanced military aircraft programs.

The Lead Engineer is responsible for technical leadership within fuel and air-to-air refueling disciplines on medium to large-scale projects. This role supports technical proposal development, customer solution definition, system integration strategy, and certification planning in support of defense aerospace programs.

This position operates in an onsite environment and reports within a multidisciplinary engineering team supporting military aviation initiatives.

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert for fuel and air-to-air refueling systems
  
• Analyze customer and market requirements and propose compliant technical solutions
  
• Organize and oversee development of technical proposals for potential C-390 Millennium customers
  
• Liaise with U.S.-based aerospace partners and respond to technical inquiries
  
• Execute technical assessments for product development and system modifications
  
• Provide on-site technical support during domestic and international customer meetings
  
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams to ensure proposals meet technical specifications
  
• Establish project milestones, manage risks, and estimate engineering labor during pre-sales phase
  
• Support business development in identifying new market opportunities
  
• Maintain communication with stakeholders, customers, partners, and internal departments
  
• Lead or participate in process improvement and quality initiatives
  
• Support strategic technical initiatives aligned with defense program objectives
  

• 
  

  Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or related field required

  
  

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the defense aerospace sector
  
• Demonstrated experience with fuel systems and/or air-to-air refueling systems
  
• Experience in development, integration, and certification of aeronautical systems
  
• Experience working with U.S. defense primes and OEMs
  
• Prior experience with defense projects preferred
  
• Experience with airworthiness certification standards such as MIL-STD-516 preferred
  
• Knowledge of NATO air-to-air refueling standards, boom systems, operational procedures, and clearance processes preferred
  

• Strong understanding of aircraft systems and military aviation missions
  
• Demonstrated experience designing and certifying fuel and/or aerial refueling systems
  
• Ability to translate customer requirements into technical design solutions
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
  
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills
  
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
  
• High attention to detail and results-driven mindset
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  
• Effective time management and multitasking capabilities
  
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
  
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret-level or higher security clearance within 12 months of hire
  

• Onsite work environment in Melbourne, Florida
  
• Domestic and international travel required
  
• Compliance with OSHA, EPA, State, and Federal regulations
  
• Security clearance eligibility required
  

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm supporting aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and industrial organizations nationwide. We connect experienced engineering professionals with mission-critical opportunities across advanced aviation programs.

If you are ready to lead complex aerial refueling system initiatives in Melbourne, Florida, apply today.

STS Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

#IndeedAM