Program Chief Engineer – Space Laser, LiDAR & Optics

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

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.