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Chief Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel:

The Chief Engineer ensures best-in-class facilities management, energy and water efficiency, capital planning, and environmental sustainability. This position leads a team of approximately 25 ...

The Chief Engineer will lead technical authority for HADES engineering activities, ensuring compliance and performance across multi-mission ground architectures while collaborating with mission ...

SPA has a near-term need for a Chief Engineer. Responsibilities SPA has a near term need for a full-time Chief Engineer (CE) onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM who can coordinate and lead ...

SPA has a near-term need for a Chief Engineer. Responsibilities SPA has a near term need for a full-time Chief Engineer (CE) onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM who can coordinate and lead ...

Chief Engineer

Santa Fe, NM ยท On-site

$19 - $20.50/hr

POSITION: Form & Functions Member REPORTS TO: Form & Functions Manager MIN REQUIREMENTS: High School Degree or Higher, 2 years of general maintenance experience SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Schedule to be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$31.5K

$90.1K

$175.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in New Mexico is $90,071.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico?

For Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,071 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Chief Engineer

CACI International, Inc.

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Chief Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
Join CACI as a Chief Engineer supporting the Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) program-an exciting, mission-driven effort advancing the next generation of satellite ground capabilities.
HADES will deliver both prototype and operational satellite ground systems, satellite operations centers (SOCs), and comprehensive engineering and support services. As part of this program, our team will lead the engineering, development, integration, and sustainment of critical ground-system infrastructure that enables high-tempo space operations. Work is performed primarily at the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Support Complex (RSC) at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Chief Engineer serves as the lead technical authority for all HADES engineering activities, ensuring technical integrity, disciplined systems engineering, and compliance across Ground Control, Ground Support, Jaguar, and hybrid cloud mission systems. This role will define and maintain the technical baseline, leads engineering execution, and ensures system performance across multi mission ground architectures.
Position is contingent upon contract award.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the lead technical authority overseeing architecture, engineering execution, technical baselines, and systems integration across all HADES PWS elements.
  • Collaborates with internal and external mission partners to ensure integrated, modernized, and mission ready ground system capabilities
  • Provides technical leadership across development, integration, verification/validation, cybersecurity alignment, and sustainment engineering.
  • Develop and maintain the Systems Engineering Management Plan, including SE processes, roles, responsibilities, verification and validation approach, metrics, tools, and technical workflows.
  • Provide technical leadership to engineering teams, ensuring disciplined systems engineering methods are applied throughout ground system development and sustainment.
  • Direct engineering solution development, modernization activities, and integration across heterogeneous ground systems and hybrid cloud architectures.
  • Lead technical risk identification, mitigation planning, engineering assessments, and performance evaluation activities.
  • Oversee software sustainment, cloud modernization, DevSecOps integration, and compatibility across mission partner systems.
  • Coordinate technical activities across Ground Control, Ground Support, Jaguar, IDIQ task orders, and external mission partners.
  • Guide integration, testing, verification, and validation processes to ensure mission critical readiness.
  • Support cybersecurity alignment across engineering activities in coordination with cybersecurity leads and accreditation authorities.
  • Ensures all work adheres to structured engineering processes supporting mission assurance and system availability.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph
  • Extensive engineering experience supporting DoD ground systems, hybrid cloud C2 architectures, space mission systems, or system of systems environments
  • 10+ years or experience leading systems engineering, integration, software development, cloud modernization, or ground architecture programs
  • Deep knowledge of system availability requirements, sustainment engineering, software and hardware integration, and multi mission ground architectures
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinate technical activities across complex mission environments
  • Experience developing SE artifacts including SEMP, architecture documentation, verification plans, and performance metrics

Desired:
  • Advanced engineering certifications or education in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, or related fields
  • Experience with DevSecOps, cloud native architectures, mission system modernization, and cross domain integrations
  • Familiarity with SSC/SYD89 mission environments, RSC operations, or hybrid cloud ground systems
  • Prior success serving as chief engineer or technical authority on large scale ground system programs

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$108,900 - $239,500
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.