Deputy Chief Engineer TPS Production

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to tackle multidisciplinary challenges across defense, space, cyber, and commercial fields from Huntsville, AL. The role emphasizes on-time delivery, full flight traceability, and a rapid-prototyping environment.

Ideal candidates will bring 8–12 years of engineering experience (or 6–10 with a Master's), strong leadership, and the ability to mentor staff while coordinating with multiple teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a SECRET security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences with relevant experience.
• Experience in a production environment and fast-paced deadlines.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

• Receive high-level tasks from Project Manager and Chief Engineer.
• Delegated responsibility to ensure compliance of select contract deliverables.
• Execute solutions for delegated Cost and Risk Reductions Opportunities
• Mentorship of junior staff.

Skills

Security clearance readiness

Leadership

Multidisciplinary problem solving

Project management

Hazardous materials handling

Travel willingness

Relocation to Huntsville

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Master's Degree preferred

8-12 years experience or 6-10 years with Masters

Job description

Leidos is seeking a talented Deputy Chief Engineer to join a diverse team to create unique solutions for complex problems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions.

A successful candidate would be capable of engaging in multidisciplinary problem-solving activities as a part of a diverse team in a fast-paced research and development/rapid-prototyping environment. Additionally, a successful candidate would be able to confidently apply knowledge, experience, and good engineering practice across assigned domains to identify issues and drive solutions.

Assignments within the role will allow candidate to gain experience across the following Essential Functions, with aim towards building skillsets of a Chief Engineer while taking on delegated responsibilities of a product. Primary Metric for a success in this role is On-Time Delivery of Compliant Products with Full Flight Traceability.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Receive tasking at high level by the Project Manager and Chief Engineer with minimal day-to-day guidance.
• Delegated responsibility to ensure compliance of select contract deliverables.
• Execute solutions for delegated Cost and Risk Reductions Opportunities
• Personal Growth and development in technical blind spots.
• Mentorship of junior staff.
• Backup Signature Authority when directed by Chief Engineer
• Engagement with Materials, Quality, Design/Drafting, Analysis, Testing, Systems Engineering, Scheduling, Integration, Risk Reporting, Security, Contracts, Program Finance, and CM teams.
• Manage Strategic Partnerships with Suppliers and Teammates to the benefit of the program and Leidos.
• Delegated Interface with Customer, Design Authority, and Suppliers as System-Level Subject Matter Expert

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a security clearance at the SECRET level
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or one of the Physical Sciences from an accredited institution and 8-12 years of experience or Maters with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a doctorate in technical domain.
• Must be mechanically inclined/comfortable assembling and troubleshooting equipment including experimental systems.
• Must have some experience in a production environment.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment with challenging deadlines, and the pressure of handling multiple projects and assignments.
• Must be willing to take ownership, enjoy taking on new challenges, have the ability to overcome technical barriers, and be self-motivated.
• Must be comfortable around and capable of operating safely in the presence of hazardous materials, high voltage, high powered lasers, etc.
• Up to 15% travel is anticipated in this role.
• Candidate must be a resident of the Huntsville – North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville – North Alabama area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance at the SECRET level
• Experience in an AS9102 or equivalent production environment.
• Strong work ethic and a positive team player
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary
• Experience participating in the generation of technical documents, proposals or report writing is desired.
• Domain knowledge of Hypersonic Manufacturing and Supply Chain
• Experience in the design, assembly, operation and analysis of thermal protection systems used for hypersonic flight

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

August 24, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.