Chief Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT SPHINX

Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better. 

We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sphinx is hiring a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical authority for a software-focused space-ground program in the SATCOM mission domain. This role will provide engineering leadership across the full system lifecycle, guiding architecture, technical strategy, risk management, and execution while ensuring mission success for our customers. 

As the Chief Engineer, you will act as the primary technical interface between Sphinx, government stakeholders, and partner organizations. You'll work closely with Program Leadership, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Integration & Test, and customer technical leadership to drive sound engineering decisions, align technical roadmaps, and ensure the successful delivery of complex space-ground systems. 

This role is ideal for a seasoned engineering leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and can confidently influence both internal teams and external stakeholders.

What you will be focusing on:

• Serving as the technical authority for a space-ground program, providing guidance on architecture, engineering decisions, technical baselines, and risk posture.
• Leading the development and evolution of system and ground segment architectures that support mission performance, scalability, resiliency, and long-term sustainment.
• Partnering with customers, program leadership, engineering team, and embedded subcontractor personnel to translate mission needs into practical technical solutions and drive cohesive technical execution across the program.
• Defining and maintaining technical roadmaps, system architectures, interface strategies, and engineering standards across the program and networks.
• Leading the design and implementation of mission planning, resource optimization, and system architecture solutions that maximize space payload effectiveness, mission performance, and operational efficiency. 
• Driving cross-functional collaboration between software, systems engineering, cybersecurity, integration & test, and operations teams.
• Authoring, managing, and maintaining Space-to-Ground Interface Control Documents (ICDs), ensuring compatibility between space vehicle payloads, telemetry formats, command and control interfaces and ground segment systems.
• Supporting interface definition and integration activities across external partners and mission stakeholders.
• Managing technical risks, dependencies, and constraints throughout execution.
• Collaborating with cybersecurity teams to support RMF activities and ATO objectives.
• Supporting proposal efforts, customer engagements, and technical growth initiatives.
• Providing mentorship and technical leadership to engineers across the organization.

You might be a good fit if you:

• Have 12+ years of experience designing, developing, integrating, testing, or operating complex space, ground, SATCOM, or mission-critical systems.
• Have 8+ years of experience with SATCOM systems, including command and control (C2), mission planning, mission management, or related mission operations capabilities.
• Have significant engineering experience in software engineering, software-intensive space-ground systems engineering, or related mission-critical space and defense programs.
• Have 5+ years of experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts, methodologies, and tools to system design, architecture development, and requirements management.
• Have experience working with modern software architectures, containerized applications, and software-intensive systems that support scalable, resilient, and mission-critical operations.
• Have 8+ years of experience supporting commercial, government, or national security space and ground systems.
• Have 5+ years of experience with cloud-based architectures, Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environments, or open architecture standards.
• Have 8+ years of experience leading technical teams, engineering organizations, or multidisciplinary project teams.
• Have experience supporting and executing major program milestone reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, FCA, or equivalent systems engineering reviews.
• Have experience establishing and leading Engineering Review Boards (ERBs), Technical Review Boards (TRBs), and other engineering governance processes, including defining entry and exit criteria for major program milestones such as SRR, PDR, and related technical reviews.
• Possess a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, lifecycle processes, requirements management, and digital engineering practices.
• Have experience working directly with customers and stakeholders to define, clarify, and manage technical requirements.
• Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence teams across organizational boundaries.
• Are comfortable balancing technical leadership, team development, and program execution responsibilities.
• Have experience presenting technical information to senior leadership, customers, and program stakeholders.
• Hold an active Secret clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.

LOCATION

This role can be based out of Colorado Springs, CO, El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA or Seal Beach, CA. This position requires approximately 30% travel, depending on program needs and where the selected candidate resides. We welcome consideration of exceptional candidates regardless of location, provided travel requirements can be met.

COMPENSATION

This role is between $225,000 and $290,000 base salary.

BENEFITS
Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

ELIGIBILITY
Must be a US Citizen.
Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.

EEO STATEMENT
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.