Chief Engineer – Defense Systems & Advanced Vehicle Technologies

GLOBAL Recruitment Solutions•Milford, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

An industry-leading defense engineering organization is seeking a highly experienced Chief Engineer to drive the development of next-generation defense technologies and advanced vehicle systems. This leadership role combines technical strategy, engineering execution, customer engagement, and team development to deliver innovative solutions that support military and national security missions. This position is ideal for an experienced defense engineering leader with expertise in lethality, survivability, combat vehicle systems, weapon systems integration, and advanced military technologies. As Chief Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority and engineering leader for critical defense programs, guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept development through deployment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
15+ years of progressive engineering experience within the defense industry.
Demonstrated experience leading complex defense development programs.
Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes, government contracts, and military customer requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and technical execution.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS or higher).
Experience with advanced military vehicle platforms and weapon systems.
Hands-on experience with fielded military systems.
Knowledge of Lean Product Development methodologies.
Experience leading cross-functional engineering organizations.
Experience in Lethality and Survivability Systems
Experience in Combat Vehicle Engineering
Experience in Weapon Systems Integration
Experience in Fire Control Systems
Experience in Turret Systems and Ammunition Handling
Experience in Military Ground Vehicle Development
Experience in Defense AI and Autonomous Systems
Experience in Battlefield Systems and Virtual Environments
Experience in Vehicle Architecture and Integration
Experience in Systems Engineering
Experience in Functional Safety and Safety-Critical Software
Experience in Hybrid and Electrified Vehicle Systems
Experience in Test & Evaluation (T&E)
Experience in Verification & Validation (V&V)
Experience in Systems Safety Engineering

Responsibilities

Lead technical execution of advanced defense and military vehicle programs.
Oversee engineering teams, providing technical leadership, mentoring, and professional development.
Drive proposal development, customer engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.
Establish technical roadmaps and system architectures aligned with customer requirements and emerging defense needs.
Ensure successful delivery of projects with respect to quality, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction.
Review and approve engineering designs, technical specifications, and design changes.
Conduct technical trade studies and risk assessments to support key engineering decisions.
Collaborate with program management to forecast resources, staffing needs, and technical priorities.
Support business development efforts through customer presentations, technical demonstrations, and solution development.
Lead technical communications with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities that create competitive advantages.