Chief Engineer, Long-Range Missile Systems

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for missile system architecture, requirements, and design decisions
• Lead system-level trade studies, technical risk management, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
• Direct integration of airframe, guidance and navigation, propulsion, and avionics subsystems
• Own system verification and validation, including test planning and flight test readiness
• Provide technical leadership across mechanical, electrical, software, firmware, and systems teams, and mentor senior engineers
• Partner with program management, manufacturing, and customers to translate mission needs into executable technical plans
• Drive configuration control and the transition from prototype to production and fielding
• Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience developing missile, munition, or high-TRL flight systems, including technical leadership of a program or major subsystem
• Demonstrated experience taking a system through full lifecycle development, including flight test
• Detailed understanding of tactical aircraft carriage environments and missile employment envelopes
• Intuitive knowledge of propulsion systems and airframe controls as well as guidance/navigation techniques for long range strike systems
• Detailed understanding of target phenomenology and defeat mechanisms
• Strong command of systems engineering practice and DoD standards for safety, environments, and test
• Current or recent DoD SECRET clearance
• Preferred Requirements:
• Master's degree or higher
• Current or recent DoD TOP SECRET security clearance; eligibility for SAP and/or SCI indoc.
• Prior role as Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or Technical Director on a fielded missile program
• Detailed understanding of ground launcher and shipboard integration environments
• Full grasp of the long-range kill chain starting at intelligence collection, mission planning, pre-launch and post-launch mission execution
• Experience with a prime integrator or in a fast-moving defense startup
• Why CHAOS?
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
• Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
• Our Perks: Free daily lunch while you're working onsite, fully-stocked kitchen, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
• Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
• Team Growth: 500+ employees and counting across 5 global offices
• Salary Range: $220,000 - $300,000
• The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
• #LI-onsite

Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with a prime integrator or in a fast-moving defense startup