Engineering Lead

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions•Sterling, VA

21h•$176,000 - $353,000

About The Position

Nightwing is seeking an Engineering Lead to serve as the senior technical authority for system architecture, technical strategy, engineering standards, and integration across a program portfolio supporting critical Intelligence Community and national security missions. The role maintains technical integrity throughout the system lifecycle while leading large-scale engineering efforts and translating operational expertise in offensive and defensive cyber operations, vulnerability assessments, and systems integration into robust technical architectures and capabilities. The Engineering Lead is responsible for systems operating in accredited environments, compliance with DoD Information Assurance requirements, and support for Authority to Operate processes. This includes designing solutions to meet NIST SP 800-171 standards, applying security-by-design principles, and maintaining accreditation postures. The position leads engineering teams of 50 or more across programs supporting 100 or more FTEs, and works across complex mission environments to advance architectural excellence, technical innovation, and engineering discipline. The role oversees cybersecurity tools, SIEM platforms, detection frameworks, automation, software and hardware development, DevSecOps, and CI/CD efforts. It translates customer mission requirements into technical solutions, advises program management and senior stakeholders, manages technical risk and quality, and develops cross-functional engineering teams. The position also drives continuous improvement and evaluates emerging technologies, including AI/ML, cloud-native security, and automation. The stated salary range is $176,000–$353,000, commensurate with qualifications, relevant experience, and expertise. Nightwing offers medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, PTO, holidays, and additional insurances. The posting also describes performance-based incentives tied to technical delivery and innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, IT, or a related STEM field.
At least one of the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, CCISO, GCDA, Security+ CE, CySA+, or equivalent.
At least one of the following experience backgrounds: 10 or more years of engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership of large-scale engineering teams; 8 or more years leading engineering efforts for programs of similar size and scope (100+ FTEs and $50M+ budgets); or 10 or more years architecting and engineering complex systems supporting national security missions.
At least one of the following domain backgrounds: 5–8 years of cybersecurity, SOC, or cyber incident response experience with an engineering focus; 5–8 years of detection engineering and automation experience; or 5–8 years of 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 and DevSecOps practices.
Experience with cloud architectures such as AWS, Azure, or GCP; containerization such as Docker or Kubernetes; and infrastructure-as-code.
Strong understanding of SIEM platforms such as Splunk, Elastic, or Sentinel; detection frameworks such as Sigma or YARA; and SOAR platforms.
Knowledge of programming or scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash, and automation frameworks.
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and modern engineering practices.
Exceptional communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in mission environments requiring rapid technical decision-making.
Track record of technical innovation that drives mission impact and customer satisfaction.
Ability to brief senior military and civilian leadership.
Experience managing in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Ability to influence without authority and build technical consensus across organizational boundaries.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the Intelligence Community, including NRO, NSA, CIA, DIA, or NGA, and Military mission partner environments.
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
Advanced degrees and certifications in IT process improvement or capability frameworks such as ITIL, COBIT, ISO 27001, CISSP, or Agile/SAFe.
Multiple advanced certifications, such as CISSP, CISM, or GIAC certifications including GCIA, GCIH, GREM, or GCFA.
Experience leading security operations centers 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 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 development and integration efforts.
Ensure technical integrity across system development, integration, and operational activities.
Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams of 50 or more across multiple disciplines.
Make architectural decisions that balance mission requirements, technical feasibility, cost, and schedule.
Maintain technical authority over systems requiring Authority to Operate in DoD and Intelligence Community environments.
Ensure engineering activities comply with customer Information Assurance requirements and standards.
Support system accreditation, including documentation, testing, continuous monitoring, and system security documentation for ATO packages.
Coordinate with IA/IT personnel to ensure engineering teams maintain required certifications.
Oversee integration of cybersecurity tools, SIEM platforms, detection frameworks, and automation capabilities.
Guide software and hardware development supporting SOC operations, threat detection, and incident response.
Ensure interoperability across on-premise, cloud, and hybrid technical environments.
Support prototype validation, operational testing, and system acceptance.
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 Intelligence Community customer operational requirements into technical solutions and architectures.
Provide technical expertise to program management, customers, and senior leadership.
Interface with customers, mission partners, and other Intelligence Community stakeholders on technical matters.
Support technical risk assessment and mitigation 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.
Promote adoption of emerging technologies, including AI/ML for threat detection, cloud-native security, and automation.
Improve technical processes, development methodologies, and engineering practices.
Evaluate and recommend tools, techniques, platforms, vendor solutions, and COTS/GOTS products.
Champion security-by-design and foster technical excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional software, detection, security, and automation engineering teams.
Maintain team readiness for 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 a collaborative, mission-focused engineering culture emphasizing quality, innovation, and accountability.
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks in mission environments.
Develop and implement technical contingency plans for system availability and mission continuity.
Ensure quality through code reviews, testing strategies, and validation processes.
Manage technical debt while balancing feature delivery, schedule, resource constraints, and mission urgency.
Support crisis management during system outages, security incidents, or performance degradation.