Chief Engineer

Arenatechnologies; New Mexico; On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Arenatechnologies is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead engineering efforts at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. The successful candidate will oversee multiple high-visibility programs, mentor a team, and ensure successful mission execution for the Space Systems Command’s Innovation and Prototype Ground branch. Candidates must hold an active TS clearance, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and have 15+ years of Systems Engineering experience. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security projects.

Qualifications

• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 15+ years of Systems Engineering experience.
• Ability to report to Kirtland AFB full time.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead engineering efforts on multiple programs.
• Mentor and oversee a team of engineers.
• Lead architectural modernization and cloud migration.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Technical Risk Management

Cloud Architecture

Analytical Judgment

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

Atlassian Tool Set

DOORS

Microsoft Tools

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting‑edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group (STAG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high‑speed low‑drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has a near‑term need for a Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

SPA has a near term need for a full‑time Chief Engineer (CE) onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM who can coordinate and lead engineering efforts on multiple high‑visibility programs and projects and oversee the technical efforts of a team of junior-, mid-, and senior‑level discipline and systems engineers across multiple task orders. The CE will play a critical role in supporting Space Systems Command’s Innovation and Prototype Ground branch (SSC/SDG) by driving and supporting mission‑critical ground systems for a diverse set of mission partners.

The successful candidate will oversee and mentor a team of engineers to maintain the existing software and hardware as well as support onboarding new programs which may require the design and development of additional and new functionality. The CE will work closely with the SPA PM as well as customer counterparts to ensure mission success. The CE will lead architectural modernization and cloud migration for a variety of existing and future satellite programs executing engineering, architecture, integration, test, maintenance, and sustainment for successful mission execution.

• Organize and lead an engineering organization, designate IPT leads and their direct reports, and mentor staff.
• Lead, communicate, and coordinate technical reviews and assessment to provide status updates, highlight accomplishments, and summarize mitigations when necessary.
• Ensure all design upgrades adhere to requirements, customer specifications, and interfaces.
• In coordination with the PM/DPM, develop and oversee an effective risk program and manage a detailed risk register that balances cost, schedule, risk, and functionality.
• Work closely with the Cybersecurity Lead to ensure systems operate within program and government cybersecurity standards and requirements.
• Ability to write a Systems Engineering Management Plan and a Mission Assurance plan tailored to the ground system that includes Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery of large complex systems.
• Serves as senior decision authority for the technical portion of the program.
• Chairs the Configuration Control Board, Risk Management Board, and maintains a compliance ledger and risk register for reporting.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI and SAP clearances
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering/engineering technology in one of the following fields: Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• 15+ years of Systems Engineering experience to include 10+ years in satellite ground system engineering, development, or integration, and 5+ years in chief/lead engineer role on contracts with multi‑mission and multi‑classification complexity
• Systems Engineering certification from IEEE, INCOSE, DAU
• AWS and/or Azure cloud certification
• Systems engineering lifecycle management (requirements through decommission)
• Architecture design and assessment for satellite ground systems
• FDIR methodology development and implementation
• SPOF/EOL/EOS identification and migration planning
• Integration and test planning across multi‑mission environments
• Technical risk management and AoA leadership
• ERB/CCB/PER/CAB participation and technical change assessment
• Ability to identify single point failures and develop solutions or mitigation plans for them
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot problems rapidly to ensure a high system availability
• Exhibit strong analytical judgment and problem‑solving capabilities, particularly in identifying the execution of risks and recommending corrective actions
• Ability to report to designated work location at Kirtland AFB, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering in one of the following fields: Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• Active TS/SCI security clearance and the ability to maintain TS/SCI and SAP clearances
• Experience working with Space Systems Command (or predecessor organizations)
• Experience with the Atlassian tool set, DOORS, COMET, InControl, and Microsoft tools
• Experience with hybrid on‑prem/cloud ground system architectures
• Experience with DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines for ground system development
• Familiarity with multi‑mission, multi‑classification environments
• Experience with cloud architecture (GovCloud, IaC, Kubernetes)
• Experience coordinating with SV contractors and antenna network operators