Program Chief Engineer

Utilicom; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for multiple programs in its laser, lidar, and laser communications portfolio. This role will guide advanced development through first-of-kind systems for airborne or space missions, acting as the main technical authority and primary customer interface.

The position requires a Master's or PhD, >10 years of leadership experience, and US citizenship eligible for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering or applied-science field.
• >10 years of professional experience leading large and diverse technical teams.
• Experience engineering, qualifying, and delivering electro-optical systems for US space and/or military applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for one or more programs delivering laser-based systems and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with technical performance, environmental, and functional requirements.
• Develop achievable execution plans in collaboration with Program Manager and leadership.
• Represent Fibertek as the main technical contact to customers and partners.
• Lead and mentor a diverse program team across related disciplines.

Skills

Leadership of large teams

Clear written and verbal communication

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in engineering or applied science

Tools

MBSE (Model-based Systems Engineering)

Requirements tracking

Circuit design & simulation

Thermal/structural analysis

Optical design & tolerance analysis

Job description

Req Id: 206

Job Title: Program Chief Engineer

Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Job Description:

Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for one or more programs in Fibertek's diverse technology portfolio of laser systems & technologies, lidar sensors, and laser communications systems. Fibertek is a recognized industry leader in delivering critical laser-based technologies that enable next generation missions for military and space applications. As a Program Chief Engineer you will provide technical leadership to advanced development programs through systematic engineering and delivery of first-of-kind systems for initial demonstration or qualification on operational airborne or space missions. This role will be the last line of authority for major program-level technical decisions and the first line of communication to customers and mission partners regarding Fibertek's technical approach and progress toward delivery.

Fibertek plans to hire multiple engineers for this position to lead programs across a rapidly growing portfolio, including fast-paced developments of spaceflight technologies and instruments. Program opportunities include:

• Space LADAR: 2-year development and delivery of multiple compact space situational awareness LADAR instruments, with expected production transition to follow
• Earth-sensing LIDAR Technologies: 2-year development and delivery of laser and beam control subsystems for NASA spaceflight missions
• Space LADAR: Leadership of 2-year Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) for the second-unit delivery of an existing proven LADAR transceiver design
• Fiber Laser Systems and Technologies: multiple fiber laser and amplifier programs for space and airborne systems

Essential Job Duties:

The Program Chief Engineer will have high-impact responsibilities that include:

• Technical leadership of select programs resulting in the successful delivery of laser-based systems and technologies that demonstrate new operational capabilities critical to national interests in defense and space exploration
• Responsibility for verified compliance with all technical performance, environmental, and functional requirements
• Support the Program Manager and company leadership to develop execution plans that are achievable, measurable, and reflect company and mission priorities
• Representation of Fibertek serving as the main point of contact to customers and mission partners on system design and technical progress
• Leadership and mentoring of a diverse and extremely talented program team of engineers and scientists with expertise across related disciplines including laser physics, electro-optics, systems engineering, electronics, signal processing, and others
• Leadership of teams through major technical decisions and analyses that have a high impact on program success, including architecture development, design trades, anomaly resolution & troubleshooting, and system verification methods
• Guidance and review of teams preparing for program milestone reviews including Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, Delivery and Acceptance Reviews, and/or other technical milestones
• Provide input on the development and adoption of engineering tools and best-practices that enhance the efficiency and operational success of engineering development programs and incorporate design features that enable predictable manufacturing following initial development and demonstration

Job Requirements:

Experience and Expertise Required:

• Master's or PhD degree in a relevant engineering or applied-science field
• >10 years professional experience including demonstrated success leading large and diverse technical teams in an engineering or technology-development organization
• Specific experience engineering, qualifying, and delivering electro-optical systems for US space and/or military applications
• Technical expertise in one or more of the following skill areas: laser systems, LIDAR sensors, optical communication systems, optical systems engineering, and/or qualification of systems and technologies for aerospace and defense
• Familiarity with industry-standard engineering tools in one or more disciplines: requirements tracking and verification, model-based systems engineering, circuit design and simulation, thermal and structural analysis, optical design and tolerance analysis, and/or others
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to concisely articulate how technical solutions and maturation plans are innovative, technically credible, and responsive to current and emerging mission needs
• US Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Security Clearance

Salary Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.

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