
WingXpand is a U.S. aerospace and AI software company that creates powerful smart planes that expand from a backpack. Their flagship products, xRAI and xRAID, are designed for defense, public safety, agriculture, and survey & inspection industries. With a focus on rapid deployment and AI-driven insights, WingXpand aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety for its users. The company emphasizes customization and modularity in its products, making them adaptable to various missions and environments. WingXpand is positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced aerial intelligence solutions.

WingXpand is a U.S. aerospace and AI software company that creates powerful smart planes that expand from a backpack. Their flagship products, xRAI and xRAID, are designed for defense, public safety, agriculture, and survey & inspection industries. With a focus on rapid deployment and AI-driven insights, WingXpand aims to enhance operational efficiency and safety for its users. The company emphasizes customization and modularity in its products, making them adaptable to various missions and environments. WingXpand is positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced aerial intelligence solutions.
Director of Engineering - Robotics & AI
At WingXpand® Locations: Chicago (Schaumburg), IL
Type Full-Time
About WingXpand WingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.
Position Description WingXpand is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams across hardware, electrical, embedded software, autonomy, and AI-enabled sensing systems. This is a hands-on technical leadership role for an experienced engineering leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and knows how to balance technical excellence, execution speed, and team development. You will partner closely with product, manufacturing, and leadership to deliver field-ready autonomous systems that meet demanding operational requirements. You will be responsible for technical direction, execution accountability, and engineering culture, ensuring WingXpand continues to deliver reliable, scalable, and differentiated autonomous platforms.
Key Responsibilities Engineering Leadership & Strategy
Autonomous Systems & AI Execution
Program Execution & Delivery
Team Development & Culture
Cross-Functional & External Collaboration
Qualifications
Additional Qualifications
What Else You Need To Know To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations, applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).
If you are a self-motivated, results-driven individual with a passion for innovation and technology, we want to hear from you!
Apply with your resume and optional cover letter (CV), including the types of engineering or technical roles you have hired.