Chief Engineer - Directed Energy - 26206

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

HII, Mission Technologies need for a Chief Engineer of Directed Energy who will serve as the senior technical authority driving innovation, system strategy, and high‑impact engineering across laser, beam control, power, and integrated weapon system technologies. This role is ideal for a visionary technical leader who thrives in complex environments, mentors engineering teams, and pushes the boundaries of next‑generation defense capabilities. Compensation for this role will be determined by several factors, including years of experience and direct involvement in supporting energy initiatives. The position may require relocation and periodic onsite work. We welcome applicants from across the country, provided they are flexible and willing to relocate and work onsite as needed.

Requirements

12+ years relevant experience progressive in engineering and engineering management, with a significant portion in the defense industry
Exceptional technical expertise and strategic vision within Directed Energy or advanced hardware technology systems.
Strong experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams in complex programs.
Recognized subject‑matter expertise with a track record of innovation, patents, publications, and/or new technology development.
Ability to communicate and influence effectively at executive, customer, and engineering leadership levels.
Strong decision‑making skills with the ability to motivate and draw the best out of teams to resolve high‑impact technical challenges.
Self-motivated with strong work-ethic.
Clearance: Active secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or Ph.D. in related field
Knowledge of military standards and specifications.
Understanding of all subsystems associated with high energy laser systems.
Strong relationships with directed energy customers and industry players.
Conversant in the history of directed energy systems.
Experience with directed energy systems from R&D to field support.
Experience with system safety, reliability, and maintainability engineering.
Experience managing tasks within budgets.
Experience in risk management including risk register development.
Experience working within Department of Defense contracts.
Experience in modeling and simulations to create a ‘digital twin’.

Responsibilities

Serve as the highest‑level engineering authority for Directed Energy weapon system programs.
Provide technical leadership across electrical, mechanical, optical, and system engineering domains.
Shape long‑range R&D strategy, technology roadmaps, and program‑level technical direction.
Oversee design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced DE subsystems and full weapon solutions.
Resolve complex technical risks and guide major engineering decisions with long-term impact.
Develop and apply advanced scientific concepts, theories, and architectures to Directed Energy technologies.
Represent the organization as the senior technical spokesperson to customers, partners, and leadership.
Influence new business pursuits by defining technical approaches and demonstrating system capability.