Chief Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Lone Tree, CO

18d•$232,581 - $319,799

About The Position

The Chief Engineer provides technical leadership, guidance, and oversight throughout the product development lifecycle. The role maintains technical baselines across multiple programs, ensuring consistency and configuration control, and provides input on technical investment needs and staffing forecasts. The Chief Engineer reviews and approves proposals and provides operational guidance to Project Engineers. Within SNC’s ISR, Aviation, and Security business area, the role supports the development and integration of manned and unmanned aircraft systems and related C4ISR capabilities. Responsibilities include oversight of technology projects, customer engagement during early pursuit phases, and support for program and technical reviews.

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.
Ability to work with department-level business leaders and provide leadership in the workplace.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including explaining technical concepts clearly in verbal and written forms and adapting communications for technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience developing and maintaining product-line technical baselines supporting multiple programs, with consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
Experience developing technical proposals and cost volumes.
Ability to support program and technical reviews and guide staff on technical solution synthesis.
Strong decision-making skills, including 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.
Ability to work primarily in an office or hybrid environment.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally; prolonged computer work and hand and finger dexterity for computer use.
May need to travel occasionally to customer or field locations and work in potentially hazardous environments when visiting project sites.

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 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 including change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, accountability, and annual reviews.
Experience in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking.
Ability to grasp technical concepts quickly and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
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.
Ability to work in a team and 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 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 supporting multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
Oversee and manage technology projects in alignment with business unit strategy and customer requirements.
Review and approve proposal technical and cost volumes for 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 guide technical solution synthesis.
Provide input on technical investment needs and staffing forecasts.