Technical Director Chief Engineer

Technical Director / Chief Engineer (Maritime Systems)
Location: Chicopee MA
Work Schedule: 9/80 Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)
Job Type: Direct Hire 100% On-Site
Compensation: $225000 $275000 per year Executive Benefits

Security Requirement
Active DoD Secret Clearance Required
U.S. Citizenship Required

About the Organization
Established defense-focused engineering organization
Supports advanced maritime and undersea technology programs
Multi-million-dollar portfolio serving U.S. DoD and international partners
Strong emphasis on innovation disciplined systems engineering and operational excellence

Position Overview
Serve as the senior technical authority for a maritime engineering business unit
Lead a 100-person cross-functional engineering organization
Oversee full product lifecycle from R&D and proposal through low-rate production and deployment
Partner with executive leadership to align technical strategy with business objectives

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Technical Leadership
Maintain accountability for technical cost and schedule performance across all programs
Oversee customer-funded initiatives and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts
Lead modernization of systems engineering practices including MBSE and Design for Manufacturability

Program & Financial Oversight
Manage lifecycle execution from proposal through sustainment
Review and approve Estimates to Complete (ETC)
Ensure alignment with Design-to-Cost objectives
Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance metrics to monitor program health

Team Development & Resource Planning
Directly supervise and mentor 36 Program Chief Engineers
Lead and influence a 100-person matrixed engineering team
Collaborate across functional groups to align talent with mission-critical timelines

Risk Quality & Compliance
Guide Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) initiatives
Ensure adherence to Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Control Account Management (CAM) practices
Represent engineering in executive and high-level DoD briefings

Qualifications

Required
Bachelors degree 12 years of relevant experience

OR
Masters/MBA 10 years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams (including leadership of a 40 person team)

Deep knowledge of EVM CAM and Integrated Master Scheduling
Experience transitioning development programs into qualification and low-rate production
Active DoD Secret clearance
U.S. Citizenship

Preferred
Experience with undersea/subsea systems maritime sensors or optical systems
Background in fixed-price defense development programs
Experience supporting international defense contracts
Demonstrated leadership in process improvement and engineering functional management

Executive Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage
401(k) with immediate vesting options
Disability coverage
Parental leave
Education assistance programs
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Executive-level benefit structure