Chief Engineer

About the Role

The Chief Engineer will provide technical leadership and guidance to a major program or programs, ensuring successful technical execution. The primary responsibility of this role is to maintain the technical baseline for the program. This involves overseeing the design, development, and testing of systems and components, solving complex technical problems, and adjudicating gaps in the as‑designed versus as‑built/as‑tested configuration. The Chief Engineer will act as a senior leader within the program team, providing expert technical direction on complex multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring technical feasibility to achieve mission success.

Key duties include:

• Chairing program Engineering Review Boards and ensuring changes are captured in the requirement baseline.
• Leading Failure Review Boards, adjudicating gaps, and determining root‑cause corrective actions when qualification or flight hardware, software, or systems do not meet requirements.
• Overseeing design, development, and testing of systems and components while serving as an advisor across all programs.
• Driving resolution of technical issues, providing expert‑level problem‑solving, and acting as the final authority and decision‑maker on how to address customer problems.
• Participating in program milestone meetings and proposals, partnering with IPT Leads for work‑breakdown tasking and structure.
• Translating technical strategies into executable plans, making final decisions on technical problems, guiding execution, and ensuring effectiveness.
• Upholding and modeling company values, holding others accountable, and interacting with internal and external executive‑level management.
• Driving innovation in engineering practices, staying current with emerging technologies, and contributing to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps to support long‑term organizational objectives.

About You

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master’s + 14 years experience).
• Typically 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.
• Ability to build strategy; identify and implement steps needed to execute strategy across programs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret U.S. Security Clearance (required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, aerospace, or a related discipline.
• Advanced RPO & GNC technical knowledge and experience; working knowledge of industry trends and historical context.
• Background in GNC, with emphasis on navigation.
• Experience in satellite flight programs.
• Understanding of computer vision.
• Understanding of RPO test techniques.
• Extensive experience in the aerospace industry or a closely related field, 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.
• 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 Professional (PMP), or certifications in specific technical areas relevant to the role.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $180,861.00 – $248,703.75

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• Life insurance
• 3 weeks paid time off
• Additional generous benefit package

Security Clearance Requirement

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required; non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.