Chief Engineer (Engineer Systems 5) - 28569

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision plans

401(k) Savings Plan Options

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries is seeking a Chief Engineer to support advanced engineering efforts for their Global Security group. This role involves designing secure systems and leading multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have at least 15 years of relevant experience in systems engineering, along with a strong background in space systems and cybersecurity. The position is based in Colorado Springs, CO and offers competitive benefits and salary considerations based on experience.

Qualifications

• 15 years relevant experience with Bachelor's in related field or equivalent.
• 10-12 years experience in systems engineering with space-related technologies.
• Proven experience developing secure solutions for DoD customers.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement secure solutions for classified environments.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams across various domains.
• Ensure solutions align with NIST RMF and DoD accreditation requirements.

Skills

Systems engineering

Cybersecurity

API integration

Project leadership

Cloud solutions

Agile practices

Education

Bachelor's in related field

Master's in related field

PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud Platform

Job description

Summary

HII Mission Technologies is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Engineer to support our Global Security (GS) group within the Joint Force Integrated Solutions portfolio. This senior technical leader will guide advanced engineering efforts spanning solutions architecture, systems integration, and cutting edge space‑related research and development. The ideal candidate will design secure, scalable, and mission‑ready systems while providing strategic technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

In this role, the Chief Engineer will support Space Systems Command (SSC), System Delta 81 (SYD 81), leading complex, multi‑year programs executed by a diverse, geographically distributed team. The successful candidate will bring exceptional leadership, deep expertise in space systems, and a strong track record in delivering integrated technical solutions. Responsibilities include maturing prototypes, enhancing space training and test infrastructures, and accelerating the development and deployment of innovative technologies that advance the government customer’s mission. This position is based in Colorado Springs, CO.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement secure solutions for classified and unclassified DoD environments
• Serve as technical lead and solutions architect to meet customer objectives on schedule and within budget
• Develop and maintain comprehensive systems architecture documentation
• Lead cross‑functional engineering teams across software, network, IT, cloud, and other applicable domains
• Ensure solutions align with NIST RMF and DoD accreditation requirements
• Design cloud‑ready and web‑based architectures for on‑prem datacenters and major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Define and oversee API integration strategies (REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSockets)
• Apply modular open systems approaches and microservices design principles
• Support internal R&D efforts to advance technical capabilities and prototype emerging technologies
• Present complex technical concepts to senior leadership and DoW stakeholders
• Lead and support proposal solutioning efforts for follow‑on and related work
• Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices

Qualifications

• 15 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 13 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 10 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or high school diploma or equivalent and 19 years relevant experience.
• 10‑12 years of experience in systems engineering and architecture, preferably with space‑related training, test, or operations technologies.
• Proven experience developing secure solutions for DoD customers.
• Expertise in enterprise IT, network architecture, and cybersecurity.
• Strong proficiency with NIST RMF and DoD accreditation processes.
• Experience designing datacenter and cloud solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Deep understanding of API integration methodologies and protocols.
• Experience with modular open systems and microservices architecture.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Familiarity with Agile systems engineering practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Active Top‑Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (or ability to obtain/maintain).

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience implementing DevSecOps in DoD environments.
• Experience in modeling, simulation, and live, virtual, constructive environments.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture principles.
• Familiarity with CMMC and/or JSIG requirements.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies.
• Background in AI/ML integration.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Salary

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role’s location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII’s Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration, including the role’s function and a candidate’s education or training, work experience, and key skills.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits such as best‑in‑class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non‑recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.