Chief Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Englewood, CO

4d

About The Position

The Chief Engineer provides technical leadership, guidance, and oversight throughout the product development lifecycle. The role maintains technical baselines and consistency across multiple programs, provides input on technical investment needs and staffing forecasts, reviews and approves proposals, and gives operational guidance to Project Engineers. The position also interfaces with customers to shape requirements and provide technical support during early pursuit phases, and supports program and technical reviews.

The role is part of SNC’s ISR, Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area, which integrates manned and unmanned aircraft systems and delivers C4ISR capabilities including design, integration, test, certification, ground and flight training, and logistics support. The posting says the position can be based primarily in an office or hybrid environment, with occasional travel to customer or field locations and possible visits to potentially hazardous project sites. A Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
• 14 or more years of engineering experience, including at least 8 years in a leadership role; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Thorough understanding of all phases of design lifecycle management, including requirements, design, integration, test, and sustainment.
• Advanced knowledge of industry best practices and techniques for program management, science, and engineering programs.
• Advanced technical knowledge and experience, with working knowledge of industry trends and historical context.
• Proven ability to work with department-level business leaders and provide workplace leadership.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in writing and verbally and adapt communication to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience developing and maintaining product-line technical baselines for multiple programs, including consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
• Experience developing technical proposals and cost volumes.
• Ability to support program and technical reviews and guide staff in technical solution synthesis.
• Strong decision-making skills, including clearly stating the bottom line, prioritizing key information, simplifying complex information, and making timely, well-reasoned decisions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of relevant leadership and/or project management experience.
• Experience with DevSecOps implementations and operations.
• Knowledge of the use and application of open architecture standards.
• Experience with military communication systems.
• Working understanding of FAA and military airworthiness.
• Experience designing for and implementing cybersecurity in information systems.
• Background in aircraft design, modification, and sustainment.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense industry standards and regulations.
• Experience with advanced engineering tools and methodologies.
• Leadership experience in change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, accountability, and annual reviews.
• Team-building, time-management, conflict-resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic-thinking skills.
• Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
• Previous management experience, including recruiting, assigning, directing, and evaluating work, and overseeing staffing development and maintenance.
• Demonstrated interest in ideation and innovation and ability to motivate others through a shared vision or purpose.
• Strategic mindset linking technology and business.
• Team-oriented approach and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Background in aerospace and defense, the U.S. Department of Defense (civilian), NASA/civil or commercial space, and/or the U.S. military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and oversight throughout the product lifecycle, from concept design to final release.
• Develop and maintain product-line technical baselines that support multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
• Oversee technology projects and ensure alignment with business-unit strategy and customer requirements.
• Review and approve technical and cost volumes in proposals to ensure alignment with company standards and customer expectations.
• Provide operational guidance to Project Engineers to support technical alignment and achievement of project goals.
• Interface with customers to shape requirements and provide technical support during early pursuit phases.
• Support program and technical reviews and provide guidance on technical solution synthesis.
• Provide input on technical investment needs and staffing forecasts.

Benefits

• Annual incentive pay based on performance and commensurate with the position level.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior