Systems Engineer Chief

SAIC•Chantilly, VA

About The Position

The Chief Systems Engineer leads technical strategy and solution development for AI demonstrations and production solutions, as well as shared software platform strategies across Intelligence Community markets. This senior technical role combines customer engagement, solution architecture, and internal strategy. The role owns the technical go-to-market strategy for Intelligence AI software solutions and works with business development, program leadership, and customer stakeholders to shape solutions before and during capture. It also provides the architectural framework for shared software platforms, data integration frameworks and libraries, and multi-tenant environments across cloud and hybrid cloud infrastructures. The Chief Systems Engineer serves as a primary technical voice with customers and a key internal partner on strategic decisions that shape the company’s market positioning and growth. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy, identifying and resolving development and implementation issues, driving long-range technical planning, and recommending investments in new capabilities. It serves as a technical voice with customers and senior leadership and contributes directly to shaping and winning new business. The position requires substantial systems engineering or software architecture experience, familiarity with Intelligence Community customers and markets, and experience designing enterprise-scale cloud and hybrid cloud solutions. An active TS/SCI clearance is required, with willingness to support additional accesses as needed.

Requirements

Typically, at least 15 years of experience in systems engineering, software architecture, or a related technical discipline.
At least 5 years of experience supporting Intelligence Community customers; direct experience in the NRO, NGA, or adjacent IC markets is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading technical strategy and solution architecture for enterprise software platforms in a government contracting environment.
Prior experience supporting capture or business development, including contributing to technical proposals and go-to-market strategies.
Experience designing and implementing cloud and hybrid cloud solutions, including multi-tenant architectures and enterprise-scale data integration frameworks.
Experience with AI and machine learning platforms in an operational or demonstration context.
Deep understanding of cloud platforms and services, including AWS, Azure, or equivalent IC cloud environments.
Strong background in data integration, data pipeline architecture, and software library development.
Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and modern software delivery frameworks.
Understanding of IC data standards, architectures, and mission systems relevant to NRO and NGA operations.
Experience with containerization, microservices, and platform engineering concepts.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including senior government customers and executive leadership.
Track record of building credibility and trusted relationships with senior customer stakeholders.
Ability to operate independently and drive decisions with limited oversight.
Experience mentoring and providing technical direction to engineering teams.
Strong collaboration skills across business development, program management, and engineering functions.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
Active TS/SCI clearance and willingness to support additional accesses as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with NRO, NGA, or adjacent Intelligence Community markets.
Advanced degree in computer science, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
Relevant certifications in cloud architecture, AI, or systems engineering; demonstrated experience may be considered in lieu of certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of technical go-to-market strategies for AI software solutions targeting Intelligence Community customers.
Define architectural strategies for shared software platforms, data integration libraries, and multi-tenant cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
Engage with customer stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate them into viable technical solutions.
Partner with business development and program leadership to shape technical approaches during capture and proposal development.
Contribute to and review technical proposals, white papers, and solution briefs for accuracy, credibility, and differentiation.
Identify emerging technologies and assess their applicability to target markets and customer missions.
Serve as the primary technical spokesperson in customer meetings, industry events, and internal strategy discussions.
Drive alignment across engineering, program management, and business development teams on technical direction and solution priorities.
Support pipeline development by identifying opportunities where company software and AI capabilities can address customer needs.
Establish and communicate technical standards and best practices for AI solution development and deployment across the portfolio.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineering staff across programs and pursuits.
Collaborate with partners and vendors to evaluate and integrate complementary capabilities into solution offerings.
Advise senior leadership on long-range technical strategy, investment priorities, and capability development.
Track and assess competitor technical approaches and market trends to inform positioning and solution development.
Work independently to identify and resolve issues across development and implementation, drive long-range technical planning, and recommend capability investments.