Position Overview: The Business Unit Chief Engineer provides technical leadership and strategic direction for a portfolio of Maritime Imaging Systems (MIS), including Submarine, Surface Ship, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UxV) technologies. This role is responsible for the technical, cost, and schedule performance of a 100-person cross-functional engineering team. Technical & Operational Responsibilities:
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle from initial proposal and definition through production transition and long-term sustainment.
Direct a group of 3 6 Program Chief Engineers to ensure successful project execution across the business portfolio.
Accountable for the technical integrity and financial performance of both customer-funded projects and Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts.
Act as the final decision-maker for high-level technical issues and complex engineering challenges.
Manage engineering staffing demands by collaborating with matrixed functional organizations to ensure resource alignment.
Review and approve Estimates to Complete (ETC), Basis of Estimates (BOE), and technical volumes for new business proposals.
Implement disciplined Systems Engineering processes and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.
Guide and review Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) efforts to ensure continuous product improvement.
Functional & Leadership Skills:
Partner directly with the General Manager to achieve annual business objectives, including revenue and overhead budget management.
Utilize Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and specific engineering metrics to analyze performance and apply corrective actions.
Lead program baselining activities, including the approval of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
Represent the engineering organization as the primary point of contact for major customers and stakeholders.
Facilitate the smooth transition of development programs into qualification and low-rate initial production.
Foster a high-performance culture focused on employee motivation, commitment, and best practices.
Behavioral Skills:
Strategic Vision: Ability to focus simultaneously on immediate program deliveries and long-term profitability goals.
Collaboration: Skilled at working across organizational boundaries to ensure seamless deployment phases.
Communication: Expert at presenting high-stakes technical briefs to internal leadership and external defense stakeholders.
Analytical Thinking: Strong capability in risk and opportunity management within complex engineering environments.
Basic Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (12+ years experience) OR a Master's degree/MBA (10+ years experience). Candidates without a degree require a minimum of 16 years of related experience.
Leadership: Proven track record leading cross-functional teams, including at least one assignment managing a team of 40+ personnel.
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of Maritime, Undersea, or Optical systems is highly preferred.
Operational Knowledge: Experience with Control Account Management (CAM) and fixed-price development programs.