Chief Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Leidos's Air and Space Force Division is seeking a Chief Engineer to support the Air Force’s Integrated Defensive Cyberspace System (IDCS) Program. The position reports directly to the Defensive Cyber Portfolio Director and will lead technical planning, system design, integration, verification, and fielding of next‑generation defensive cyber weapon systems.

• Provide engineering expertise and oversight for the program throughout the capability delivery lifecycle, from requirements development through fielding and transition to operations.
• Work closely with the IDCS program manager to develop technical and programmatic schedules, evaluate design alternatives including cost and risk, and provide input on subcontractor selection to resolve technical challenges.
• Perform systems requirements analysis, functional analysis, timeline analysis, trade studies, requirements allocation, interface definition, technical management, integration, system testing, and quality assurance.
• Oversee system planning and designs ensuring compatibility with the Government Reference Architecture.
• Provide guidance and direction to the team on all product development and deliverables.
• Effectively communicate engineering technical considerations to government stakeholders and negotiate to achieve acceptance of concepts and solutions.
• Resolve technical problems, issues, and conflicts within the IDCS program.
• Collaborate with other experts to identify innovative solutions.
• Assist the program manager with development of SOWs, RFPs, technical evaluations, and provide oversight and approval of subcontractor and vendor deliverables.
• Maintain regular communication with the customer’s Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, and technical leads.
• Mentor mid‑level and junior staff.

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance within 365 days after start date.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of total engineering experience, including 5+ years in a technical leadership role (Chief Engineer, Technical Director, or Lead Architect).
• Minimum seven (7) years of hands‑on experience in at least two (2) cyber disciplines (e.g., network defense, vulnerability assessment, forensics, or cyber weapons platforms).
• Solid understanding of SDLC models, Agile and traditional project management practices, and DevSecOps.
• Systems engineering experience including design, deployment, and configuration of software solutions, defensive cyber systems, and/or DoD weapons systems.
• Experience writing subsystem specifications and managing tasks for cross‑discipline technical contributors.
• Experience with all technical aspects of cyber systems delivery – software, hardware, infrastructure, and security.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with senior Government officials, including high‑ranking military members and senior civilian executives regarding technical risks, trade‑offs, and milestone delivery status.
• Proven expertise leading, architecting, and executing large‑scale development programs.
• Compliance with DoD 8140 certification (e.g., CISSP‑ISSAP).

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Prior experience with defensive cyber weapon systems.
• Experience managing projects using SDLC models such as CMMI, SAFe, Agile, or DevSecOps.
• Experience with applied AI/ML for threat hunting, response automation, or user/entity behavioral analytics.
• Experience with USAF or DoD plans, policies, standards, and methods aimed at the acquisition and support of software and computer resources.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct high‑tempo, multi‑team efforts while managing cost, schedule, and risk for programs.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.