Program Chief Engineer

Auxo Talent; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Auxo Talent is seeking an experienced engineering leader to head major aerospace programmes, delivering laser, LiDAR and optical communication technologies for space and defence. You will own technical decisions, guide diverse teams and work with customers and partners across mission contexts.

The role emphasizes leadership in system architecture, design trades, and program execution from development through delivery, with a strong focus on compliance and best practices.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in an engineering or applied-science discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience in engineering/technology development.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience engineering, qualifying and delivering electro-optical systems for US space and/or military applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for delivery of complex engineering programmes.
• Drive system architecture, design trades, technical analysis and major decisions.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across laser, LiDAR, optics, systems engineering and electronics.
• Act as primary technical contact for customers and mission partners.
• Lead technical reviews (PDR/CDR, TRR, DRR) and anomaly resolution.

Skills

Leadership

Systems engineering

Optical design

Technical communication

Electro-optical

Education

Master's or PhD in engineering or applied-science

Job description

Are you an experienced engineering leader passionate about delivering advanced technology for space exploration and aerospace applications?

We're partnering with an established aerospace and defence technology business seeking multiple Program Chief Engineers to lead complex, high-impact engineering programmes across its growing portfolio.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of major technical decisions, lead talented multidisciplinary teams and deliver next-generation laser, LiDAR and optical communications technologies.

The Opportunity:

You'll provide technical leadership across advanced development programmes, taking innovative technologies from initial development through demonstration, qualification and delivery for airborne and space missions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide technical leadership and accountability for the successful delivery of complex engineering programmes.
• Drive system architecture, design trades, technical analysis and major engineering decisions.
• Ensure compliance with technical performance, environmental and functional requirements.
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams spanning laser physics, electro-optics, systems engineering, electronics and signal processing.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers and mission partners.
• Support programme planning, execution strategies and delivery commitments.
• Lead technical reviews, including Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews and Delivery and Acceptance Reviews.
• Drive anomaly resolution, troubleshooting, system verification and engineering best practices.
• Support the transition from initial development into predictable, scalable manufacturing.

What We're Looking For:

• A Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering or applied-science discipline.
• 10+ years of professional experience within an engineering or technology-development environment.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience engineering, qualifying and delivering electro-optical systems for US space and/or military applications.
• Technical expertise in one or more of the following: Laser systems and technologies, LiDAR sensors, Optical communications systems, Optical systems engineering, Aerospace and defence systems qualification.
• Familiarity with industry-standard engineering tools across requirements management, verification, systems engineering, circuit design, simulation or optical design.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical solutions to customers, leadership and engineering teams.
• US Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Security Clearance are essential.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

You'll be joining a technology business at the forefront of advanced laser, LiDAR and optical communications systems, working on programmes that support next-generation space exploration and defence capabilities.

With multiple positions available across a growing portfolio, there is scope to lead programmes aligned with your technical expertise and experience.

Location

Herndon, Virginia, USA