Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer for Strategic Systems is an autonomous technical leader responsible for the end-to-end mission success of solid rocket propulsion system programs by managing large multidisciplinary teams, overseeing complex systems engineering processes, and aligning technical execution with budgetary and schedule requirements.

The position reports to the Director of Engineering and is part of the Strategic Systems department based in Reno, NV. This role is based in Reno, NV or Folsom, CA or Huntsville, AL or Long Beach, CA or Remote.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline with 15 years of engineering experience and 5+ years of technical leadership in solid rocket motors (SRMs)
• Able to direct the end-to-end technical lifecycle of the program by leading cross-functional teams through rigorous design reviews and qualification milestones, ensuring that the final system is producible, compliant with technical data requirements, and balanced against cost and schedule constraints.
• Able to lead the engineering team in meeting all program milestones by maintaining a rigorous focus on the critical path, proactively deconflicting resources, and driving schedule performance through the aggressive management of task span-times and alternative execution strategies.
• Demonstrated responsibility in establishing and maintaining lean technical scope baselines by eliminating contingency budgeting, monitoring cost performance indices (CPI) to mitigate variances, and rigorously challenging budget change requests to preserve management reserves through the exploration of alternative technical solutions.
• Has served as the primary technical spokesperson for a program, managing both internal and external stakeholder relationships by presenting programmatic material, cultivating new business, and ensuring all customer requests remain within authorized scope while providing data-driven technical alternatives for collaborative decision-making.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least four years of experience leading controllable solid rocket propulsion system projects consisting of high-performing multidisciplinary teams of no less than 10 people
• Current DoD Secret Security clearance

Travel, Physical and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel up to 25%, including the possibility of overnights within the vicinity of site locations or external test facilities
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds

Compensation and Benefits:

• The good faith base salary range for this role is $195,000–$250,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4%
• Company wellness programs
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• Opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment