Chief Engineer - Hardware & Embedded Systems

Intellisense Systems, Inc.; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health Insurance

401(k) with 100% employer matching up?

Job summary

Intellisense Systems, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Chief Engineer to lead our multi-disciplinary engineering teams onsite in Torrance, CA. You will shape hardware, software, and mechanical designs while guiding a high-caliber team.

You are a pragmatic problem-solver who values design simplicity and tangible technical contribution over rigid processes, and you will influence DoD mission-critical programs across air, land, and sea platforms.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of working experience in an engineering discipline.
• Bachelor's degree required in engineering (Electrical Engineer preferred).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, defense electronics, or high-reliability domains.
• Strong, verifiable background in designing and troubleshooting complex electronic or electromechanical systems.
• A pragmatic problem-solver who values agility, innovation, and direct technical contribution over high-level process management.

Responsibilities

• Direct Technical Output: Contribute directly to hardware, software, or mechanical designs while overseeing the work of others.
• Eliminate Complexity: Ensure programs take the simplest, most efficient paths to solve tough technical challenges.
• Lead Qualification & Testing: Guide critical testing efforts (MIL-STD-810, 461, 704, DO-178) to build highly reliable products.
• Drive Business Growth: Write technical proposals for SBIR grants and support major non-SBIR defense proposals.
• Bridge Tech & Leadership: Transition from the lab bench and design reviews to client meetings with Program Managers and CORs.

Job description

Intellisense Systems, Inc. is looking for a hands-on Chief Engineer to lead our multi-disciplinary engineering teams onsite in Torrance, CA. We develop and manufacture advanced defense electronics, rugged avionics displays, and environmental monitoring systems for military, government, and commercial operations.

If you are a veteran engineering leader who values practicality and design simplification over rigid, dogmatic corporate processes, this role is built for you. You will directly influence DoD mission-critical programs across ground, maritime, and airborne applications.

Core Focus

Guard against over-engineering, eliminate complex approaches, and mentor a talented team of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers.

What You Will Do

• Direct Technical Output: Contribute directly to hardware, software, or mechanical designs while overseeing the work of others.
• Eliminate Complexity: Ensure programs take the simplest, most efficient paths to solve tough technical challenges.
• Lead Qualification & Testing: Guide critical testing efforts (MIL-STD-810, 461, 704, DO-178) to build highly reliable products.
• Drive Business Growth: Write technical proposals for SBIR grants and support major non-SBIR defense proposals.
• Bridge Tech & Leadership: Comfortably transition from the lab bench and design reviews to client meetings with Program Managers and CORs.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: 20+ years of working experience in an engineering discipline
• Education: Bachelor's degree required in engineering (Electrical Engineer preferred)
• Industry Focus: 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace, defense electronics, or high-reliability domains.
• Technical Mastery: Strong, verifiable background in designing and troubleshooting complex electronic or electromechanical systems.
• Mindset: A pragmatic problem-solver who values agility, innovation, and direct technical contribution over high-level process management.

What We Offer

• The Best of Both Worlds: The entrepreneurial spirit and speed of a small business, backed by the robust capabilities of an industry prime.
• Pay Range: $200,000 - $300,000 (However, base salary for this position will vary based on your skills, qualifications, and experience)
• 4 Weeks PTO a year (including 40 hours of PTO your first day)
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) with 100% employer matching up to 4% of salary (no vesting period)
• Multiple options for Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance plans
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Assistance (30% of Tuition with a minimum qualifying grade)
• 100% Paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 100% Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• 100% Paid Workers Compensation Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance

The unique culture at Intellisense offers the entrepreneurial spirit of a smaller company with the support and expertise of a larger organization. We are looking for individuals that have a wide breadth of experience while also being subject matter experts in their respective field.

Unless otherwise stated in the requirements section of an individual job listing, our positions require U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Residency, or other status as a U.S. Person as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3). Intellisense Systems, Inc is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.