Chief Engineer
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! Leidos’ Defense Systems Persistent Surveillance Portfolio is seeking a seasoned Chief Engineer to lead the technical execution of a major U.S. Air Force radar acquisition program. This high-visibility program will deliver multiple radar system variants across several operational sites, supporting critical USAF missions including air surveillance, battle management, and integrated air and missile defense. The Chief Engineer will serve as the authoritative technical leader, guiding system design, integration, and verification efforts across a multi-site, multi-contractor environment. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here! Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today! Primary Responsibilities Serve as the senior technical authority for all radar system variants delivered under the program. Lead cross-functional engineering teams including systems, RF hardware, software, signal processing, cybersecurity, and integration/test engineers. Ensure alignment of the technical baseline with USAF mission objectives, capability documents, and interface requirements. Manage the system architecture and technical configuration across multiple radar variants and geographic locations. Drive system-level trades, risk assessments, and design decisions that impact performance, schedule, and cost. Coordinate with government engineering leads, site activation teams, logistics elements, and operational users. Represent the program at all major technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and milestone events. Oversee the development of program artifacts including the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, logistics data products and cybersecurity compliance documentation (RMF). Support developmental and operational test planning with the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), AFOTEC, and other stakeholders. Lead or contribute to working groups, configuration control boards, risk management boards, and readiness assessments. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field plus minimum of 20 years of experience in radar system development or equivalent DoD sensor programs, with an additional 5 years as a Chief Engineer or senior technical leader or Maser's degree Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field plus minimum of 15 years of experience in radar system development or equivalent DoD sensor programs, with an additional 5 years as a Chief Engineer or senior technical leader Deep understanding of USAF acquisition processes and system engineering standards (e.g., MIL-STD-881, DoDI 5000 series, AFLCMC guidance). Proven experience leading multifunctional engineering teams on large-scale defense programs. Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-variant systems and coordinating across geographically dispersed teams and contractor sites. Familiarity with USAF technical baselines, CONOPS development, and integration with command and control (C2) systems. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. U.S. citizenship and active Secret clearance required. Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama, AL, area Preferred Qualifications Experience with USAF Air Battle Management System Radar experience Knowledge of Digital Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture. Familiarity with Agile acquisition strategies, Section 804 rapid prototyping efforts, and DoD DevSecOps environments. Experience coordinating with AFLCMC, AFTC, AFOTEC, and operational wings or MAJCOMs. TS/SCI clearance or eligibility highly desirable. Original Posting: July 9, 2025 Description Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! Leidos’ Defense Systems Persistent Surveillance Portfolio is seeking a seasoned Chief Engineer to lead the technical execution of a major U.S. Air Force radar acquisition program. This high-visibility program will deliver multiple radar system variants across several operational sites, supporting critical USAF missions including air surveillance, battle management, and integrated air and missile defense. The Chief Engineer will serve as the authoritative technical leader, guiding system design, integration, and verification efforts across a multi-site, multi-contractor environment. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here! Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today! Primary Responsibilities Serve as the senior technical authority for all radar system variants delivered under the program. Lead cross-functional engineering teams including systems, RF hardware, software, signal processing, cybersecurity, and integration/test engineers. Ensure alignment of the technical baseline with USAF mission objectives, capability documents, and interface requirements. Manage the system architecture and technical configuration across multiple radar variants and geographic locations. Drive system-level trades, risk assessments, and design decisions that impact performance, schedule, and cost. Coordinate with government engineering leads, site activation teams, logistics elements, and operational users. Represent the program at all major technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and milestone events. Oversee the development of program artifacts including the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, logistics data products and cybersecurity compliance documentation (RMF). Support developmental and operational test planning with the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), AFOTEC, and other stakeholders. Lead or contribute to working groups, configuration control boards, risk management boards, and readiness assessments. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field plus minimum of 20 years of experience in radar system development or equivalent DoD sensor programs, with an additional 5 years as a Chief Engineer or senior technical leader or Maser's degree Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field plus minimum of 15 years of experience in radar system development or equivalent DoD sensor programs, with an additional 5 years as a Chief Engineer or senior technical leader Deep understanding of USAF acquisition processes and system engineering standards (e.g., MIL-STD-881, DoDI 5000 series, AFLCMC guidance). Proven experience leading multifunctional engineering teams on large-scale defense programs. Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-variant systems and coordinating across geographically dispersed teams and contractor sites. Familiarity with USAF technical baselines, CONOPS development, and integration with command and control (C2) systems. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. U.S. citizenship and active Secret clearance required. Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama, AL, area Preferred Qualifications Experience with USAF Air Battle Management System Radar experience Knowledge of Digital Engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture. Familiarity with Agile acquisition strategies, Section 804 rapid prototyping efforts, and DoD DevSecOps environments. Experience coordinating with AFLCMC, AFTC, AFOTEC, and operational wings or MAJCOMs. TS/SCI clearance or eligibility highly desirable. Original Posting: July 9, 2025 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $148,850.00 - $269,075.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. Receive tips & info on cleared job search, security clearances and career development. J-18808-Ljbffr
