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Chief Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sphinx Defense

Chief Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Fibertek, Inc.

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title Program Chief Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for one or more programs in Fibertek ...

FIBERTEK, INC.

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA

$200K - $250K/yr

Program Chief Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek seeks a Program Chief Engineer to provide technical leadership for one or more programs in Fibertek's diverse ...

VTG

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA

$125K - $185K/yr

The Chief Engineer will guide system architecture evaluations, technology selection, design integration, and performance optimization across the lifecycle of the program. This role requires deep ...

Sphinx Defense

Chief Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Digital Remedy

Assistant Chief Engineer

Richmond, VA

$50K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Assistant Chief Engineer plays an imperative role as the go-between resource for the engineering team, leadership, and the location's personnel. We need a dynamic team lead to help grow the ...

OTH Hotels Resorts

Chief Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Job Title Chief Engineer Location Property Department Maintenance Property, if applicable N/A FLSA Exempt Direct Supervisor General Manager Job Overview The Chief Engineer is responsible for leading ...

Koitecc Solutions

Chief Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$154.05 - $278.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Digital Modernization Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Chief Engineer supporting the HEITS Contract as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Insider Threat Program (ITP)

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Assistant Chief Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Assistant Chief Engineer plays an imperative role as the go-between resource for the engineering team, leadership, and the location's personnel. We need a dynamic team lead to help grow the ...

Utilicom

Program Chief Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

As a Program Chief Engineer you will provide technical leadership to advanced development programs through systematic engineering and delivery of first-of-kind systems for initial demonstration or ...

Gold Key PHR

Chief Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Walking the property completely a minimum of twice daily (AM and PM), the Chief Engineer determines and assigns work, maintenance projects, work orders and priorities to insure that all quality ...

ABM Industries

Chief Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$40/hr

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall supervision of the engineering department within the facility assigned. These duties include but are not limited to the installation, repair and ...

BWX Technologies

Project Chief Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$112K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Project Chief Engineer, working in close coordination with the Program Director, Lead Systems Engineer, and Engineering disciplines will lead the development of a novel nuclear reactor and plant ...

BWX Technologies, Inc.

Project Chief Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Project Chief Engineer, working in close coordination with the Program Director, Lead Systems Engineer, and Engineering disciplines will lead the development of a novel nuclear reactor and plant ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Chief Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Virginia is $92,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $119,000.00 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.
More about Chief Engineer jobs

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

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Chief Engineer job openings:

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

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

Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,148 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Sphinx Defense

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

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 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.
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.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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