SAIC is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the technical development, integration, and operational deployment of ISR, C3I, and Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UXS) capabilities. The role serves as the primary technical authority across a portfolio of programs, providing strategic direction across the full system lifecycle from concept through sustainment. The Chief Engineer will oversee systems engineering, program management, and innovation efforts, ensuring solutions meet government requirements and address unmanned and asymmetric threats.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for the development, integration, and deployment of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systems across multiple programs and platforms
Serve as the primary technical authority for all engineering activities related to ISR sensor systems, C3I architectures, and counter-unmanned aircraft, ground, and surface vehicle (C-UAS, C-UGV, C-USV) technologies
Oversee the design, integration, testing, and validation of multi-domain ISR collection capabilities, C3I communication and data link architectures, and C-UXS detection, tracking, identification, and defeat systems
Lead cross-functional engineering teams across hardware, software, systems, and integration disciplines to ensure cohesive and efficient execution of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS program objectives
Provide technical oversight of system architecture decisions, trade studies, and engineering design reviews including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), and Critical Design Reviews (CDR)
Ensure technical solutions align with government customer requirements, operational concepts, and mission needs across ISR, C3I, and C-UXS domains
Manage multiple concurrent ISR, C3I, and C-UXS projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget
Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, integrated master schedules (IMS), work breakdown structures (WBS), and budgets across the C-UXS and ISR portfolio
Communicate program status, technical risks, and mitigation strategies to senior SAIC leadership, government program offices, and key stakeholders
Identify and manage technical risks associated with ISR sensor integration, C3I interoperability, and C-UXS defeat mechanism effectiveness
Support proposal development, cost estimation, and technical volume preparation for new ISR, C3I, and C-UXS business opportunities
Ensure that all ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systems meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, interoperability, and safety in accordance with government requirements and applicable standards
Lead the development and implementation of systems engineering processes and best practices consistent with DoD acquisition frameworks and applicable standards including MIL-STD, IEEE, and EIA-632
Oversee the creation and management of comprehensive technical documentation including system requirements specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), design specifications, test and evaluation plans, and system safety analyses
Ensure ISR systems deliver required collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (CPED) capabilities across multi-domain environments
Ensure C3I architectures support seamless command and control, secure communications, and real-time intelligence fusion across joint and coalition networks
Ensure C-UXS systems provide integrated and layered detection, tracking, identification, and kinetic or non-kinetic defeat capabilities against the full spectrum of unmanned threats including UAS, UGV, and USV
Drive innovation in ISR, C3I, and C-UXS technologies through targeted research and development initiatives aligned with emerging threat environments and government capability gaps
Stay current with the latest advancements in unmanned systems, counter-unmanned technologies, ISR sensor modalities, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications, and C3I communication architectures
Identify and evaluate emerging technologies with potential application to ISR collection enhancement, C3I network modernization, and C-UXS defeat effectiveness
Foster a culture of innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement within the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS engineering teams
Lead and support independent research and development (IR&D) activities to advance SAIC's technical capabilities in the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS domains
Engage with academic institutions, industry partners, and government research organizations to identify collaborative opportunities and technology transition pathways
Serve as the primary contractor technical point of contact for all ISR, C3I, and C-UXS programs, interfacing directly with government program offices, test agencies, and operational end users
Collaborate with government agencies, combatant commands, and defense customers to understand evolving ISR collection requirements, C3I interoperability needs, and C-UXS operational challenges
Facilitate effective communication and technical collaboration among engineering teams, program managers, contracts personnel, and other internal and external stakeholders
Represent SAIC at government program reviews, technical interchange meetings (TIMs), industry conferences, and working groups focused on ISR, C3I, and C-UXS capabilities
Coordinate with government test and evaluation organizations to support developmental and operational testing of ISR, C3I, and C-UXS systems
Build and maintain strong relationships with government customers, subcontractors, and technology partners across the ISR, C3I, and C-UXS ecosystem

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field; advanced degree strongly preferred
Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems engineering, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership or chief engineer role
Extensive hands-on experience with C-UXS technologies, including multi-sensor detection, tracking, identification, and kinetic and non-kinetic defeat of unmanned aerial, ground, and surface systems
Demonstrated experience with ISR systems, including sensor integration, multi-INT data fusion, and CPED architectures across airborne, ground, and maritime platforms
Proven knowledge of C3I architectures, including secure communications, data links, network-centric operations, and intelligence fusion systems
Proven track record of managing complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs from concept development through operational deployment
Strong understanding of DoD systems engineering principles, acquisition processes, and applicable technical standards
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated ability to interface effectively with senior government officials
Ability to think strategically, drive technical innovation, and translate operational requirements into engineering solutions
Proficiency in program management tools, techniques, and integrated master scheduling
Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain and maintain required clearance

Nice to have

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Extensive experience working directly with DoD, intelligence community, or other government and defense agencies on ISR, C3I, or C-UXS programs
Knowledge of regulatory requirements, standards, and policies governing unmanned systems, counter-unmanned systems, and ISR operations including applicable FAA, DoD, and NATO frameworks
Familiarity with AI/ML applications for autonomous threat detection, ISR data exploitation, and C-UXS decision support
Experience with electronic warfare (EW) techniques and technologies as applied to C-UXS defeat mechanisms
Knowledge of RF spectrum management, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems relevant to ISR and C-UXS operations
Experience with Agile, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), or DevSecOps development methodologies applied to defense systems
Certification in Project Management (PMP) or Systems Engineering (INCOSE CSEP/ESEP) or equivalent
Familiarity with DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and its application to C3I and ISR system design
Experience supporting test and evaluation activities including developmental test (DT) and operational test (OT) for ISR, C3I, or C-UXS systems