Senior Chief Systems Engineer – TacIRST Lead (Hybrid/4x10)

Lockheed Martin; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 183,000 - 339,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible work arrangements

4x10 schedule

401(k) match

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental Leave

EAP

Flexible Spending Accounts

Education Assistance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Lockheed Martin is seeking a Chief Engineer for TacIRST, leading technical activities across development, integration, and fielding of infrared threat-warning technologies for 5th Gen fighters. You will guide hardware, electronics, and signal processing, and oversee cross-functional teams to ensure mission milestones and robust system performance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering, 10+ years in IR sensor design, active security clearance, and the ability to travel for customer and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of infrared sensor/optics design, signal processing, and threat warning system development.
• Proven track record leading technology from concept through production for at least two platform families.
• Hands-on experience with IR sensor integration, thermal management, and calibration/validation.
• Ability to plan, execute, and transition complex systems through SRR → PDR → CDR → Qualification → Production.
• Strong people leadership; experience guiding cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and USG partners.
• Active Secret clearance (able to obtain Top Secret).
• Ability to travel domestically for customer visits and audits.

Responsibilities

• Define system architecture and guide end-to-end integration of hardware, electronics, and signal processing.
• Lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, Qualification, System Verification & Test, FCA).
• Drive trade study analyses and design-to-cost decisions across variants.
• Oversee integration of TacIRST into 5th Gen platforms.
• Coordinate cross-functional IPTs to align schedules and interfaces.
• Serve as LM point of contact for USG customers on TacIRST matters.
• Lead customer briefings, status updates, and readiness reviews.
• Develop detailed program plans, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and resource allocation across the portfolio.
• Partner with Engineering Excellence to meet program milestones.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks; participate in risk reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote a culture of innovation and leadership.

Skills

IR sensor design

Threat warning systems

Cross-functional leadership

System integration

Signal processing

Stakeholder communication

Security clearance

Travel readiness

Technical leadership

Program management liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SRR/PDR/CDR

Job description

Lockheed Martin is seeking a Chief Engineer for TacIRST, leading technical activities across development, integration, and fielding of infrared threat-warning technologies for 5th Gen fighters. You will guide hardware, electronics, and signal processing, and oversee cross-functional teams to ensure mission milestones and robust system performance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering, 10+ years in IR sensor design, active security clearance, and the ability to travel for customer and