TacIRST Platform ExpansionChief Engineer

The Tactical Infrared Search and Track (TacIRST) Platform‑Expansion Chief Engineer provides technical leadership for the development, integration, and fielding of infrared‑threat‑warning technology across a portfolio of platforms and customers. This position reports to the Advanced Threat‑Warning Systems (ATWS) program‑area Chief Engineer and partners with senior engineers, program managers, and the U.S. Government (USG) customer base to ensure seamless delivery of TacIRST capabilities to multiple air vehicles.

The work directly impacts war‑fighter survivability and mission success across services and allied forces.

• Provide technical leadership for the TacIRST portfolio – set the overall system architecture and guide end to end integration of hardware and signal processing algorithms.
• Drive technical risk management, trade off, and affordability decisions and continuous improvement metrics that keep the program on track.
• Partner with the USG customer and internal stakeholders to communicate requirements, risks, trade offs, and lessons learned, and to act as the primary LM point of contact for TacIRST Platform Expansion technical matters.
• Mentor talent and promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and Full Spectrum Leadership (technical, people, business, strategic).
• Lead technical reviews and ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
• Oversee integration of TacIRST onto diverse platforms (e.g., multiple fighters, UAS, and other air vehicles).
• Manage platform specific tailoring while preserving core system performance.
• Lead customer briefings, status updates, technical interchange meetings, and readiness reviews.
• Ensure appropriate Engineering&Technology (E&T) staffing and resource allocation across the portfolio.
• Identify, track, and mitigate technical risks; participate in Failure Review Boards, technical reviews, and Mission Success Reviews.
• Capture lessons learned and share best practices across the ATWS Chief Engineer staff.
• Provide technical oversight to key suppliers; verify compliance with specifications and schedule commitments and conduct technical reviews at supplier sites when required.
• Coordinate cross discipline IPTs to align schedules, interfaces, and milestones.

• Deliver integrated hardware, algorithm, and software solutions on time and within budget, orchestrating rigorous reviews, risk focused trade studies, and clear communication with customers, suppliers, partners, and senior leadership.
• Demonstrate strong influence and communication across capture, program management, and technical stakeholders, driving execution while balancing competing priorities.
• Balance affordability, technical performance, and schedule requirements, understanding trade offs and risks of complex engineering projects.
• Plan and lead technical solutions from proposal through all development phases and transition to production.
• Show a strong understanding of Full Spectrum Leadership (FSL) principles (technical,people,business,strategic).
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

We are looking for a collaborative and experienced leader to join our team. As the TacIRST Platform Expansion Chief Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects, develop your skills, and contribute to the success of our team. If you are a motivated and dedicated professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.

We are committed to supporting your growth and development, with mandatory training for growth into the Chief Engineer organization. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic work environment.

This position is located in Orlando, FL and will require occasional domestic travel. The position will require on-site work with the ability to flex working hours.

• Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university, and relevant professional experience.
• Proven technical management of large cross discipline engineering teams in infrared sensor/optics systems.
• Working…