Chief Engineer - Defense Systems & Advanced Vehicle Technologies

Location: New Hudson, Michigan
Compensation: $145,000 – $196,000 + Annual Bonus (10-15%)
Work Arrangement: Primarily Onsite (Occasional Remote Flexibility)
Travel: Approximately 10-15%
Security Clearance: Must possess or be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance

Lead the Future of Defense Innovation

An industry-leading defense engineering organization is seeking a highly experienced Chief Engineer to drive the development of next-generation defense technologies and advanced vehicle systems. This leadership role combines technical strategy, engineering execution, customer engagement, and team development to deliver innovative solutions that support military and national security missions.

This position is ideal for an experienced defense engineering leader with expertise in lethality, survivability, combat vehicle systems, weapon systems integration, and advanced military technologies.

What You'll Do

As Chief Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority and engineering leader for critical defense programs, guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept development through deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution of advanced defense and military vehicle programs.
• Oversee engineering teams, providing technical leadership, mentoring, and professional development.
• Drive proposal development, customer engagement, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Establish technical roadmaps and system architectures aligned with customer requirements and emerging defense needs.
• Ensure successful delivery of projects with respect to quality, schedule, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Review and approve engineering designs, technical specifications, and design changes.
• Conduct technical trade studies and risk assessments to support key engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with program management to forecast resources, staffing needs, and technical priorities.
• Support business development efforts through customer presentations, technical demonstrations, and solution development.
• Lead technical communications with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities that create competitive advantages.

Desired Technical Expertise

Strong candidates will possess experience in several of the following areas:

• Lethality and Survivability Systems
• Combat Vehicle Engineering
• Weapon Systems Integration
• Fire Control Systems
• Turret Systems and Ammunition Handling
• Military Ground Vehicle Development
• Defense AI and Autonomous Systems
• Battlefield Systems and Virtual Environments
• Vehicle Architecture and Integration
• Systems Engineering
• Functional Safety and Safety-Critical Software
• Hybrid and Electrified Vehicle Systems
• Test & Evaluation (T&E)
• Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Systems Safety Engineering

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience within the defense industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex defense development programs.
• Strong understanding of defense acquisition processes, government contracts, and military customer requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and technical execution.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MS or higher).
• Experience with advanced military vehicle platforms and weapon systems.
• Hands-on experience with fielded military systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Product Development methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering organizations.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Executive-level technical leadership role with significant influence on future defense technologies.
• Opportunity to shape next-generation military systems and capabilities.
• High visibility with defense customers and senior leadership.
• Strong compensation package with bonus potential.
• Career growth path into broader technical and organizational leadership roles.

If you're a defense engineering leader passionate about developing innovative solutions that support the warfighter and national security missions, we encourage you to apply.