Chief Engineer

About the role

The Chief Engineer for Strategic Systems is an autonomous technical leader responsible for the end-to-end mission success of solid rocket propulsion system programs by managing large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex systems engineering processes, and aligning technical execution with budgetary and schedule requirements. The position reports to the Director of Engineering and is part of the Strategic Systems department based in Reno, NV. This role is based in Reno, NV or Folsom, CA or Huntsville, AL or Long Beach, CA or Remote.

Responsibilities

• Direct the end-to-end technical lifecycle of the program by leading cross-functional teams through rigorous design reviews and qualification milestones, ensuring that the final system is producible, compliant with technical data requirements, and balanced against cost and schedule constraints.
• Lead the engineering team in meeting all program milestones by maintaining a rigorous focus on the critical path, proactively deconflicting resources, and driving schedule performance through the aggressive management of task span-times and alternative execution strategies.
• Establish and maintain lean technical scope baselines by eliminating contingency budgeting, monitoring cost performance indices (CPI) to mitigate variances, and rigorously challenging budget change requests to preserve management reserves through the exploration of alternative technical solutions.
• Serve as the primary technical spokesperson for a program, managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships by presenting programmatic material, cultivating new business, and ensuring all customer requests remain within authorized scope while providing data-driven technical alternatives for collaborative decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other relevant engineering discipline with 15 years of engineering experience and 5+ years of technical leadership in solid rocket motors (SRMs)
• Able to direct the end-to-end technical lifecycle of the program by leading cross-functional teams through rigorous design reviews and qualification milestones, ensuring that the final system is producible, compliant with technical data requirements, and balanced against cost and schedule constraints.
• Able to lead the engineering team in meeting all program milestones by maintaining a rigorous focus on the critical path, proactively deconflicting resources, and driving schedule performance through the aggressive management of task span-times and alternative execution strategies.
• Demonstrated responsibility in establishing and maintaining lean technical scope baselines by eliminating contingency budgeting, monitoring cost performance indices (CPI) to mitigate variances, and rigorously challenging budget change requests to preserve management reserves through the exploration of alternative technical solutions.
• Has served as the primary technical spokesperson for a program, managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships by presenting programmatic material, cultivating new business, and ensuring all customer requests remain within authorized scope while providing data-driven technical alternatives for collaborative decision-making.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred Qualifications

• At least four years of experience leading controllable solid rocket propulsion system projects consisting of high-performing multi-disciplinary teams of no less than 10 people
• Current DoD Secret Security clearance

Pay & Benefits

• Base salary range: $195,000–$250,000 (varies by experience, skills, and location)
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with significant company premium contribution and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more; no long term contracts and free on-demand workout videos before enrollment
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match of up to 4%
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• Opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment

Schedule & Travel

• Travel up to 25%, including the possibility of overnights within the vicinity of site locations or external test facilities
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds