Chief Engineer - Undersea Systems (Defense Programs)
Job Description
Job DescriptionChief Engineer – Undersea Systems (Defense Programs)
Northampton, Massachusetts (Onsite)
Relocation assistance available
A leading defense technology organization is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the engineering execution of a portfolio of advanced maritime and undersea sensing systems supporting critical national security missions.
This is a rare opportunity to operate as a technical executive, not just a functional engineering manager. You will own engineering performance across multiple programs — including technical delivery, schedule execution, and cost performance — while partnering directly with business leadership and customers.
If you've ever wanted to move from program execution into true technical leadership influence, this is that role.
What You'll Do
You will lead the engineering strategy and execution for a portfolio of maritime imaging and sensing systems spanning submarine, surface vessel, and unmanned platforms.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead a ~100-person cross-functional engineering organization
Manage and mentor multiple Program/Chief Engineers
Own engineering delivery performance (technical, cost, and schedule)
Guide programs from proposal and development through production and sustainment
Partner directly with the Business Unit General Manager
Support proposal strategy, technical reviews, and customer engagements
Oversee staffing plans and resource allocation across a matrix organization
Review and approve engineering Estimates-to-Complete (ETC)
Drive root cause corrective actions and continuous improvement
Ensure smooth transition from development programs into production
Present technical status and risk assessments to senior stakeholders
This role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, program leadership, and business operations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Masters or MBA preferred)
10+ years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
Experience leading large engineering teams (40+ engineers)
Prior leadership within a defense or government program environment
Experience transitioning development programs to production
Integrated Product Team (IPT) or Program Chief Engineer experience
Familiarity with EVMS, CAM, risk management, and program metrics
Experience supporting proposals or technical volume development
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Highly Desired Experience
Undersea, maritime, sensing, imaging, sonar, radar, or optical systems
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Design for Manufacturability (DfM) / Design for Excellence (DfX)
Fixed-price development programs
DoD development programs
Leading engineering organizations in matrixed environments
Why This Role Stands Out
This is not a pure design role and not a pure management role.
You will:
Influence product direction and technical strategy
Shape engineering culture and processes
Partner with executive leadership
Lead programs that move into real-world operational deployment
Your decisions will directly impact deployed systems, not just internal products.
Location
Onsite in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Relocation support is available.
Systems Engineering | Chief Engineer | IPT Lead | EVMS | CAM | DoD Programs | Defense Engineering | Maritime Systems | Undersea Systems | Sonar | Radar | Optical Systems | Production Transition | Engineering Leadership | Program Execution | MBSE | Technical Leadership | Defense Technology
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