Chief Engineer - Directed Energy - 26206

Chief Engineer Of Directed Energy

HII, Mission Technologies need for a Chief Engineer of Directed Energy who will serve as the senior technical authority driving innovation, system strategy, and high-impact engineering across laser, beam control, power, and integrated weapon system technologies. This role is ideal for a visionary technical leader who thrives in complex environments, mentors engineering teams, and pushes the boundaries of next-generation defense capabilities.

Compensation for this role will be determined by several factors, including years of experience and direct involvement in supporting energy initiatives. The position may require relocation and periodic onsite work. We welcome applicants from across the country, provided they are flexible and willing to relocate and work onsite as needed.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the highest-level engineering authority for Directed Energy weapon system programs.
• Provide technical leadership across electrical, mechanical, optical, and system engineering domains.
• Shape long-range R&D strategy, technology roadmaps, and program-level technical direction.
• Oversee design, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced DE subsystems and full weapon solutions.
• Resolve complex technical risks and guide major engineering decisions with long-term impact.
• Develop and apply advanced scientific concepts, theories, and architectures to Directed Energy technologies.
• Represent the organization as the senior technical spokesperson to customers, partners, and leadership.
• Influence new business pursuits by defining technical approaches and demonstrating system capability.

What We Are Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)

• 12+ years relevant experience progressive in engineering and engineering management, with a significant portion in the defense industry.
• Exceptional technical expertise and strategic vision within Directed Energy or advanced hardware technology systems.
• Strong experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in complex programs.
• Recognized subject-matter expertise with a track record of innovation, patents, publications, and/or new technology development.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively at executive, customer, and engineering leadership levels.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to motivate and draw the best out of teams to resolve high-impact technical challenges.
• Self-motivated with strong work-ethic.
• Clearance: Active secret security clearance.

Bonus points for:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in related field
• Knowledge of military standards and specifications
• Understanding of all subsystems associated with high energy laser systems
• Strong relationships with directed energy customers and industry players
• Conversant in the history of directed energy systems
• Experience with directed energy systems from R&D to field support
• Experience with system safety, reliability, and maintainability engineering
• Experience managing tasks within budgets
• Experience in risk management including risk register development
• Experience working within Department of Defense contracts
• Experience in modeling and simulations to create a 'digital twin'

Physical Requirements

• May require working in an office, or laboratory environment.
• Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.

HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Why HII: We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance? If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.