Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Chief Systems Engineer to lead complex systems engineering initiatives and provide strategic technical leadership. This role requires a proven systems engineering professional who can drive technical excellence, manage system architecture decisions, and lead engineering teams in delivering mission-critical solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Lead systems engineering activities
- Define and maintain systems architecture, requirements, and design standards
- Oversee system integration, verification, and validation processes
- Drive technical decision-making and risk management for critical systems
- Establish and enforce engineering best practices and methodologies
Strategic Planning
- Develop long-term technical roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives
- Lead feasibility studies and technical assessments for new initiatives
- Collaborate to define technical strategies and deliverables
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentor a team of systems engineers and technical specialists
- Provide technical guidance
- Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and continuous improvement
- Lead technical reviews and design milestone evaluations
Stakeholder Management
- Interface with customers, and partners on technical matters
- Present technical concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Participate in customer technical reviews and program milestone meetings
- Collaborate with external vendors and subcontractors on technical integration
- Support contract negotiations with technical expertise and risk assessments
Program Execution
- Oversee requirements analysis, system design, and architecture development
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and customer specifications
- Lead system testing, integration, and deployment activities
- Manage technical budgets and resource allocation
- Drive configuration management and change control processes
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
- 10+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering with demonstrated leadership roles
- TS/SCI Clearance
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading systems engineering teams or programs
- Experience with complex system development across full lifecycle (requirements through deployment)
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent professional certification
- INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification
- Experience with Agile/DevOps methodologies in systems engineering contexts
- Background in defense, aerospace, or other mission-critical system domains
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approaches
- Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning integration in systems
Technical Domains of Interest
- Command and control systems
- Communications and networking systems
- Cybersecurity and information assurance
- Data analytics and decision support systems
- Embedded systems and real-time computing
- Human-machine interfaces and user experience design
Salary range for the position is $198,000 - $218,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.
Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.
Top Skills
What We Do
Blue Sky Innovators supports government and commercial customers in the definition and delivery of advanced technologies. As established leaders in the DoD and IC, we bring top talent to solve the toughest challenges.
