Title:  Chief Engineer - Avionics Systems

Job Title: Chief Engineer - Avionics Systems

Job Code: 27417

Job Location: Waco

Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

Perform various tasks and responsibilities as a Deputy Chief Engineer supporting pursuit and execution activities across multiple platforms, including near-term capture efforts and ongoing program execution. This role is initially focused on engineering strategy and leadership for a KC-135 bid effort.

This role demands influence across functional and programmatic boundaries to support both active programs and critical new business pursuits. Success requires the ability to shape technical approaches, guide resource alignment, and enable mission success through structured systems thinking and operational rigor. The ideal candidate fosters a culture of engineering excellence while navigating cross-functional dynamics and supporting executional performance.

Essential Functions:

·        Work is guided by long-term objectives for the organization – typically two-to-three-year goals. Responsible for developing technical volumes within bids & proposals, along with supporting programs across the Segment to ensure strategic objectives are achieved.

·        Communicates within and outside of the organization, including engagement with senior technical leaders and key customers. Works to influence acceptance of engineering strategies, development plans, and technical solutions across multiple business areas.

·        Establishes direction for system architecture, engineering execution, and lifecycle integration across pursuit and program areas. Solutions are often innovative and establish new best practices.

·        Owns and develops tactical and operational engineering plans that directly support long-term business outcomes. Recommends, aligns, and operationalizes engineering resource strategies across product lines and functions.

·        Drives technical rigor and compliance through change management, risk mitigation, and lifecycle governance. Serves as a primary integrator between functional engineering and program execution.

Qualifications:

·        Requires both advanced business knowledge and highest level of technical mastery in fixed-wing aircraft systems and missionized integration.

·        Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline; graduate degree in engineering or business preferred.

·        Minimum of 15 years of experience in aerospace or defense, including engineering leadership roles.

·        In-depth knowledge of the engineering lifecycle, from bidding/estimating through development, production, and delivery.

·        Proficient in Systems Engineering, Aircraft Integration, and cross-functional team leadership.

·        Experienced in technical proposal writing, bid strategy, and engineering estimating tools.

·        Demonstrated experience working across IPTs, managing technical priorities, and driving alignment across engineering and operations.

·        Working knowledge of Engineering Configuration Control, Change Management, and technical risk mitigation.

·        Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to distill technical complexity for senior leadership and external customers.

Preferred Additional Skills:

·        Knowledge of Foreign Military Sales, Direct Commercial Sales and Government acquisition processes

·        Knowledge of MIL-STD-881 and standard Work Breakdown Structures

·        Familiarity with engineering management tools such as DOORS, Engineering Estimating Tools, Project Online, and TeamCenter

·        Experience in performing Risk & Opportunity analysis