Chief Engineer III

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS

• Aid in market intelligence, customer lead generation, scope meetings, opportunity evaluation, and proposal efforts.
• Oversee engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
• Mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and development.
• Plan and formulate engineering programs, review product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
• Approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Coordinate technical development, scheduling, and resolve engineering design and testing challenges.
• Identify and lead the development of electrical and hybrid vehicle technical architectures and system partitioning.
• Develop SWOT analyses and propose PM solutions based on market needs.
• Integrate engineering best practices across the organization.
• Present technical capabilities and solutions to management, customers, and partners.
• Ensure alignment of project solutions with broader organizational goals, industry roadmaps, and emerging technologies.
• Set technical objectives, resolve conflicts, and make decisions based on trade studies and requirements.
• Cook up resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks to customer satisfaction and project deliverables.
• Lead internal and external technical communications to keep projects on track.
• Ensure project profitability and manage customer relationships.
• Offer feedback on customer needs and continuous process improvements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in full vehicle design and development, including chassis systems, propulsion, and energy systems.
• Expertise in testing, evaluation, and verification/validation of vehicle systems.
• Strong technical background with deep understanding of system engineering, systems safety, and safety-critical software.
• Familiarity with the lean product development process, including CAE tools and optimization.
• Experience in test and evaluation, including developmental and integrated verification strategies.
• Hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing systems in the field is an advantage.
• Knowledge of functional safety systems, associated software, and architecture leadership.
• Familiarity with industry standards and the ability to build team capabilities.
• Solid understanding of vehicle architecture and integration of subsystems.
• Expertise in specific areas such as: Weapon Systems, Combat Vehicle Engineering, Fire Control Systems, Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems, Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems, Defense AI, and Software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.

WORK REQUIREMENTS

• Minor or extensive travel may be required depending on the program.
• Flexibility to work long hours as needed to meet deadlines.

About the Role

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is seeking a Chief Engineer for a Direct Hire Opportunity with one of our premier clients in New Hudson, MI. SGA is a women-owned business that provides technology and resource solutions driven to stand out. Our mission is to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. Join a diverse team built on core values of customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do.

We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company EEO page to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.