Chief Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Plano, TX

About The Position

Join our team as a Chief Engineer and lead the charge in innovation and efficiency. Leverage cutting-edge technology and your unparalleled expertise to drive our projects beyond the boundaries of possibility. As a Chief Engineer you will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership, guidance, and oversight throughout the product development lifecycle. You will be responsible for maintaining technical baselines, ensuring consistency across multiple programs, and providing input on technical investment needs and staffing forecasts. Additionally, you will review and approve proposals and provide operational guidance to project engineers. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field.
14+ years of engineering experience with at least 8+ years in a leadership role. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Deep understanding of ELINT/ESM principles, architectures, and technologies, including RF system design, digital signal processing, and sensor integration
Hands-on experience in system engineering lifecycle (requirements analysis, design, integration, verification, and validation) for ELINT/ESM products
Experience performing RF cascade analysis for complex RF systems
Experience analyzing threat databases used for ESM intelligence libraries
Extensive knowledge of Radar parameter measurements and measurement techniques
Experience with hardware/software integration, real-time embedded systems, and C4ISR systems
Knowledge of relevant military standards and compliance (e.g., MIL-STD-461, 810, 704, 882
Minimum 20+ years of systems engineering experience, with at least 10 years in Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), or related defense electronic warfare fields
At least 5 years in engineering management at the director level or higher, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in a defense or national security environment
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, mission-critical ELINT/ESM or SIGINT systems or products to government or defense customers
Eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance (Secret required, Top Secret/SCI preferred)
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams
Experience in strategic planning, resource management, and budget oversight for large-scale engineering programs
Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (program management, business development, manufacturing, quality, and customer stakeholders)
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; able to represent engineering to executive leadership and external customers
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
Demonstrated experience in proposal development, technical writing, and customer briefings
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
8-10 years relevant leadership and/or project management experience.
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations in the Aerospace and Defense sector.
Experience with advanced engineering tools and methodologies.
Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, and strategic thinking.
Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
Previous management experience; ability to recruit employees; assign, direct, and evaluate their work; and oversee staffing development and maintenance.
Demonstrated passion for ideation and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
Possess a strategic mindset, linking technology and business.
Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets.
Prior experience working directly with military or intelligence agencies
Experience with agile development methodologies and digital engineering practices
Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
Experience applying AI tools and techniques to ESM processing

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership Provide technical guidance and oversight throughout the product lifecycle, from concept design to final release.
Technical Baseline Management Develop and maintain product line technical baselines that support multiple programs, ensuring consistency, continuity, and configuration control.
Project Oversight Oversee and manage technology projects, ensuring alignment with business unit strategy and customer requirements.
Proposal Review Review and approve proposal technical and cost volumes to ensure alignment with company standards and customer expectations.
Operational Guidance Provide operational guidance to Project Engineers, ensuring technical alignment and project goal achievement.
Customer Interface Interface with customers to shape requirements and provide technical support during early pursuit phases.
Technical Reviews Support program and technical reviews, providing guidance on technical solution synthesis.

Benefits

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more

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