Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Requirements

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +14 yrs experience)
• Typically requires 16+ years of related experience
• Multidisciplinary engineering expertise and subject matter expert for a single program of significance
• Demonstrated experience leading significant projects, interacting cross-functionally, and driving engineering decisions
• Demonstrated use of first principles to plan and execute required analysis for a program life cycle
• Experience acting as a technical advisor, providing expert guidance and recommendations on complex engineering projects, ensuring technical accuracy and feasibility
• Upholds and models company values; ability to hold others accountable to values
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices
• Able to build strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute strategy across programs
• An active Secret with ability to obtain TS/SCI U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution
• Responsible for maintaining the technical baseline for a major program or programs
• Chair program(s) Engineering Review Board and ensuring appropriate measures are taken to capture those changes in the requirement baseline
• Chair program(s) Failure Review Board, ensuring gaps are adjudicated and root cause corrective actions are determined when qualification or flight hardware/software/systems do not meet their requirements
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of systems and components
• Work across all programs and play a role of an advisor
• Responsible for solving the hardest technical problems spanning multiple programs
• Drive the resolution of technical issues and challenges, providing expert-level problem-solving
• Act as the final authority and decision maker on how to solve a problem for a customer
• Take an active role in program milestone meetings and proposals
• Partner with IPT Leads for work breakdown tasking and structure
• Embody our culture and great leadership; act as a catalyst for change
• Build out strategy; identify and implement the steps needed to execute on the strategy across programs
• Translate technical strategy into executable plans. Make final decisions on technical problems, guide execution, and ensure effectiveness
• Uphold and model company values; hold others accountable to values
• Interact with internal and external executive-level management
• Drive innovation in engineering practices and stay current with emerging technologies
• Contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long-term organizational objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline, providing a deeper understanding of complex technical concepts and advanced problem-solving skills
• Experience with OPIR mission processing architectures like SBIRS, NGG/NGP, or SDA PWSA
• Extensive experience in the defense industry, with a proven track record of successful project execution and technical leadership
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation within engineering practices, staying current with emerging technologies, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance program performance and efficiency
• Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven capacity to influence, inspire, and drive change within engineering teams and across the organization. Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers
• Solid experience in program management, including planning, execution, and oversight of large-scale engineering projects. Ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets effectively
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term technical strategies and roadmaps that align with organizational objectives
• Proven ability to work effectively with executive-level management, providing clear and concise technical insights and recommendations. Experience presenting complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders
• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies. Ability to represent the company in technical discussions and negotiations
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across different functions within the organization, including operations, finance, and business development, to achieve common goals
• A strong commitment to continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements and best practices within the engineering function
• A history of technical publications or patents that demonstrate thought leadership and contributions to the field of engineering
• Relevant professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, Project Management.