Chief Engineer

Job ID 2614997Location Bedford, IN, USDate Posted 2026-07-28Category Engineering and SciencesSubcategory Systems EngineerSchedule Full-TimeShift Day JobTravel Yes - 10% of the timeMinimum Clearance Required SecretClearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain NonePotential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITEDescriptionSAIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Engineer for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I), and Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UXS) to lead the technical development, integration, and operational deployment of advanced multi-domain capabilities. The Chief Engineer will serve as the primary technical authority for a portfolio of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS programs, providing visionary leadership across the full system lifecycle from concept development through fielding and sustainment. This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive expertise in systems engineering, program management, and technology innovation to ensure the delivery of high-quality, operationally effective solutions that address the full spectrum of unmanned and asymmetric threats while enhancing command, control, and intelligence capabilities for our government and defense customers.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical LeadershipProvide strategic direction and technical leadership for the development, integration, and deployment of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systems across multiple programs and platformsServe as the primary technical authority for all engineering activities related to ISR sensor systems, C3I architectures, and counter-unmanned aircraft, ground, and surface vehicle (C-UAS, C-UGV, C-USV) technologiesOversee the design, integration, testing, and validation of multi-domain ISR collection capabilities, C3I communication and data link architectures, and C-UXS detection, tracking, identification, and defeat systemsLead cross-functional engineering teams across hardware, software, systems, and integration disciplines to ensure cohesive and efficient execution of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS program objectivesProvide technical oversight of system architecture decisions, trade studies, and engineering design reviews including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR)Ensure technical solutions align with government customer requirements, operational concepts, and mission needs across ISR, C3I, and C-UXS domainsProgram & Project ManagementManage multiple concurrent ISR, C3I, and C-UXS projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budgetDevelop and maintain comprehensive program plans, integrated master schedules (IMS), work breakdown structures (WBS), and budgets across the C-UXS and ISR portfolioCommunicate program status, technical risks, and mitigation strategies to senior SAIC leadership, government program offices, and key stakeholdersIdentify and manage technical risks associated with ISR sensor integration, C3I interoperability, and C-UXS defeat mechanism effectivenessSupport proposal development, cost estimation, and technical volume preparation for new ISR, C3I, and C-UXS business opportunitiesSystems EngineeringEnsure that all ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systems meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, interoperability, and safety in accordance with government requirements and applicable standardsLead the development and implementation of systems engineering processes and best practices consistent with DoD acquisition frameworks and applicable standards including MIL-STD, IEEE, and EIA-632Oversee the creation and management of comprehensive technical documentation including system requirements specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), design specifications, test and evaluation plans, and system safety analysesEnsure ISR systems deliver required collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (CPED) capabilities across multi-domain environmentsEnsure C3I architectures support seamless command and control, secure communications, and real-time intelligence fusion across joint and coalition networksEnsure C-UXS systems provide integrated and layered detection, tracking, identification, and kinetic or non-kinetic defeat capabilities against the full spectrum of unmanned threats including UAS, UGV, and USVInnovation & Research and DevelopmentDrive innovation in ISR, C3I, and C-UXS technologies through targeted research and development initiatives aligned with emerging threat environments and government capability gapsStay current with the latest advancements in unmanned systems, counter-unmanned technologies, ISR sensor modalities, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications, and C3I communication architecturesIdentify and evaluate emerging technologies with potential application to ISR collection enhancement, C3I network modernization, and C-UXS defeat effectivenessFoster a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement within the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS engineering teamsLead and support independent research and development (IR&D) activities to advance SAIC's technical capabilities in the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS domainsEngage with academic institutions, industry partners, and government research organizations to identify collaborative opportunities and technology transition pathwaysCollaboration & Stakeholder CommunicationServe as the primary contractor technical point of contact for all ISR, C3I, and C-UXS programs, interfacing directly with government program offices, test agencies, and operational end usersCollaborate with government agencies, combatant commands, and defense customers to understand evolving ISR collection requirements, C3I interoperability needs, and C-UXS operational challengesFacilitate effective communication and technical collaboration among engineering teams, program managers, contracts personnel, and other internal and external stakeholdersRepresent SAIC at government program reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), industry conferences, and working groups focused on ISR, C3I, and C-UXS capabilitiesCoordinate with government test and evaluation organizations to support developmental and operational testing of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systemsBuild and maintain strong relationships with government customers, subcontractors, and technology partners across the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS ecosystemQualificationsMinimum Requirements and EducationBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree strongly preferredMinimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or chief engineer roleExtensive hands-on experience with C-UXS technologies, including multi-sensor detection, tracking, identification, and kinetic and non-kinetic defeat of unmanned aerial, ground, and surface systemsDemonstrated experience with ISR systems, including sensor integration, multi-INT data fusion, and CPED architectures across airborne, ground, and maritime platformsProven knowledge of C3I architectures, including secure communications, data links, network-centric operations, and intelligence fusion systemsProven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs from concept development through operational deploymentStrong understanding of DoD systems engineering principles, acquisition processes, and applicable technical standardsExcellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated ability to interface effectively with senior government officialsAbility to think strategically, drive technical innovation, and translate operational requirements into engineering solutions Proficiency in program management tools, techniques, and integrated master schedulingActive Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain required clearancePreferred QualificationsAdvanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical disciplineExtensive experience working directly with DoD, intelligence community, or other government and defense agencies on ISR, C3I, or C-UXS programsKnowledge of regulatory requirements, standards, and policies governing unmanned systems, counter-unmanned systems, and ISR operations including applicable FAA, DoD, and NATO frameworksFamiliarity with AI/ML applications for autonomous threat detection, ISR data exploitation, and C-UXS decision supportExperience with electronic warfare (EW) techniques and technologies as applied to C-UXS defeat mechanismsKnowledge of RF spectrum management, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems relevant to ISR and C-UXS operationsExperience with Agile, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), or DevSecOps development methodologies applied to defense systemsCertification in Project Management (PMP) or Systems Engineering (INCOSE CSEP/ESEP) or equivalentFamiliarity with DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and its application to C3I and ISR system designExperience supporting test and evaluation activities including developmental test (DT) and operational test (OT) for ISR, C3I, or C-UXS systems