Engineering Lead

Nightwing•Sterling, VA

2d•$176,000 - $353,000•Onsite

About The Position

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Nightwing is seeking an exceptional Engineering Lead to serve as the senior technical authority responsible for overall system architecture, technical strategy, engineering standards, and integration across all engineering efforts. This role requires a proven senior-level technical leader who ensures engineering rigor and maintains technical integrity throughout the system lifecycle while managing complex, large-scale operations supporting critical national security missions. Nightwing delivers end-to-end secure IT services leveraging deep experience in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Cyber Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs), and systems integration. As Engineering Lead, you will translate this operational expertise into robust technical architectures, drive engineering excellence across detection and automation platforms, and ensure our solutions remain operationally relevant in dynamic threat environments. You will be responsible for maintaining the technical integrity of systems operating within accredited environments, ensuring compliance with DoD Information Assurance (IA) requirements, and supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for mission-critical systems. This includes architecting solutions that meet NIST SP 800-171 standards, implementing security-by-design principles, and maintaining system accreditation postures throughout the lifecycle. This is a high-visibility, technically demanding leadership position requiring an individual who can lead engineering teams supporting programs with 100+ FTEs, navigate complex technical environments in mission settings, and drive organizational success through architectural excellence, technical innovation, and engineering discipline. You will be accountable for the technical health and performance of systems supporting critical Intelligence Community operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, IT, or related STEM field
At least one: CISSP, CISM, CCISO, GCDA, Security+ CE, CySA+, or equivalent certification
10+ years engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership of large-scale engineering teams
8+ years leading engineering efforts for programs of similar size and scope (100+ FTEs, $50M+ budgets)
10+ years architecting and engineering complex systems supporting national security missions
5-8 years cybersecurity, SOC, or cyber incident response experience with engineering focus
5-8 years detection engineering and automation experience
5-8 years IT services engineering with Intelligence Community customers
Deep understanding of system architecture and engineering principles for enterprise-scale systems
Demonstrated experience with programs of similar size and scope supporting Intelligence Community missions
Extensive knowledge of cybersecurity operations, defensive cyber capabilities, and threat detection methodologies
Working knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and DevSecOps practices
Experience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-code
Strong understanding of SIEM platforms (Splunk, Elastic, Sentinel), detection frameworks (Sigma, YARA), and SOAR platforms
Knowledge of programming/scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash) and automation frameworks
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and modern engineering practices
Exceptional communication skills with proven ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Demonstrated success in mission environments requiring rapid technical decision-making
Track record of technical innovation driving mission impact and customer satisfaction
Strong technical presence with ability to brief senior military and civilian leadership
Experience managing in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
Proven ability to influence without authority and build technical consensus across organizational boundaries

Nice To Haves

Experience within Intelligence Community (NRO, NSA, CIA, DIA, NGA) and Military mission partner environments
Advanced degrees (MS, PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical fields
Advanced degrees and certifications in IT process improvement and/or capability frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT, ISO 27001, CISSP, Agile/SAFe)
Multiple advanced certifications: CISSP, CISM, GIAC certifications (GCIA, GCIH, GREM, GCFA)
Experience leading security operations centers (SOCs) or threat detection programs
Background in threat intelligence, malware analysis, or offensive security
Experience with AI/ML for security, anomaly detection, and advanced analytics
Prior military or intelligence community technical leadership experience
Experience supporting classified programs at TS/SCI level with special access programs (SAP)
Track record of technical publications, speaking engagements, or open-source contributions

Responsibilities

Serve as the senior technical authority for all engineering activities across the program portfolio
Define and maintain system architecture and technical strategy for cybersecurity operations, detection engineering, and automation platforms
Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and design patterns across all development and integration efforts
Ensure technical integrity across all system development, integration, and operational activities
Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams of 50+ engineers across multiple disciplines
Drive architectural decisions that balance mission requirements, technical feasibility, cost, and schedule
Maintain technical authority over systems requiring Authority to Operate (ATO) within DoD and Intelligence Community environments
Ensure all engineering activities comply with customer Information Assurance requirements and Standards
Support system accreditation processes including documentation, testing, and continuous monitoring requirements
Coordinate with IA/IT personnel to ensure engineering teams maintain required certifications
Support development of system security documentation for ATO packages
Oversee integration of cybersecurity tools, SIEM platforms, detection frameworks, and automation capabilities
Guide software and hardware development efforts supporting SOC operations, threat detection, and incident response
Ensure interoperability across complex technical environments including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid architectures
Support prototype validation, operational testing, and system acceptance activities
Lead DevSecOps transformation and CI/CD pipeline development for security operations
Oversee development and deployment of custom detection content, automation playbooks, and orchestration workflows
Translate operational requirements from Intelligence Community customers into technical solutions and architectures
Provide technical expertise to program management, customers, and senior leadership
Interface directly with Customer, mission partners, and other Intelligence Community stakeholders on technical matters
Support technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies across the program
Review and approve technical deliverables, design documents, and system documentation
Present technical strategies, architectures, and solutions to C-suite and senior government leadership
Drive adoption of emerging technologies including AI/ML for threat detection, cloud-native security, and automation
Support continuous improvement of technical processes, development methodologies, and engineering practices
Evaluate and recommend new tools, techniques, platforms, and approaches
Lead technical assessments of vendor solutions and COTS/GOTS products
Champion security-by-design principles across all engineering activities
Foster culture of technical excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharing
Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teams including software engineers, detection engineers, security engineers, and automation specialists
Ensure team maintains readiness to support dynamic mission environments and rapid capability development
Conduct technical performance management, career development planning, and succession planning
Drive technical hiring to build organizational capability and address skill gaps
Foster collaborative, mission-focused engineering culture emphasizing quality, innovation, and accountability
Identify, assess, and aggressively mitigate technical risks in mission environments
Develop and implement technical contingency plans to ensure system availability and mission continuity
Ensure quality assurance through code reviews, testing strategies, and validation processes
Navigate technical, schedule, and resource constraints while maintaining mission focus
Support crisis management during system outages, security incidents, or performance degradation
Balance technical debt management with feature delivery and mission urgency