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Chief Engineer Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

A Brief Overview The Chief Maintenance Engineer (CME) is responsible for fulfilling the technical aspects of the maintenance contract, ensuring that facilities are well maintained and operable, and ...

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Chief Engineer information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$31.7K

$90.7K

$176.7K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Decatur, GA is $90,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $117,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

What does the Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical operations and maintenance of a facility, ship, or industrial plant. They manage engineering staff, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often handle budgeting and project planning. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

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 certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and oversee technical operations, maintenance, and safety protocols in engineering projects or facilities.

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.

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 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,745 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Chief Manufacturing Engineer - Producibility Owner - Level 6

Chief Manufacturing Engineer - Producibility Owner - Level 6

Lockheed Martin

Marietta, GA

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job ID: 732333BR Date posted: Jun. 17, 2026
Description:
You will be the Chief Manufacturing Engineer - Producibility Owner - Level 6 for the Production Engineering team which is responsible for establishing and advancing producibility across the AMMM portfolio.
What You Will Be Doing
As the Chief Manufacturing Engineer - Producibility Owner - Level 6 you will be responsible for defining the Producibility Program, guiding design‑for‑manufacturability, and leading change‑control activities that enable high‑rate production.
Your responsibilities will include:
  • Establish and drive the Producibility Program, integrating shaping, deployment, and design‑for‑manufacturability with Design and Quality Engineering.

  • Lead the Manufacturing Change Control Board (MCCB) as chair, overseeing configuration control and change‑management for all tooling and process updates.

  • Partner with OpsTech to identify and implement technology‑integration opportunities that enhance producibility.

  • Serve as the primary liaison with Production Engineering Central Services and Business Units, ensuring alignment of production strategies with senior‑leadership objectives.

  • Influence design and manufacturing strategy by translating complex technical concepts into long‑term production‑rate plans for senior leadership.

What's In It For You
We are committed to supporting your work‑life balance and overall well‑being, offering flexible scheduling options. Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here. Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus - if you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.
Who You Are
An analytical, results‑driven leader with deep producibility expertise, strong cross‑functional collaboration skills, and a proven record of delivering high‑quality, high‑rate production solutions in fast‑paced environments.
Further Information About This Opportunity
MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN - This position is located at a facility that requires special access.
This position is located in Marietta, GA.
This role may require infrequent travel and possible weekend/off-hour support. Our team supports programs that require a DoD Secret clearance.
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree Required: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Proven Experience Leading Producibility Reviews and DFM including in depth knowledge of design principles and tools
• Proven Experience with Manufacturing Process for Tool Controlled Aircraft Assembly
• Previous experience in a Production Engineering discipline
• Experience interacting with Senior Level Leaders, including creating and briefing presentations
• Active DoD Clearance with an Investigation within the last 5 years
Desired Skills:
• Ability to work independently and develop a strong support network across organizations
• Master's Degree (MS)
• C-130 Experience in Tool Engineering, Design Engineering, Production Engineering, or Quality Engineering
• Understanding of complex aerospace vehicle assembly across full lifecycle from depail part through delivery operations
• Proven ability to interface effectively with different levels of management and multiple disciplines
• Relevant professional certifications, such as PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing.
• Knowledge of cost estimation principles and practices to estimate manufacturing costs and optimize design for cost.
• Familiarity with supply chain management principles and practices to ensure effective supplier selection and management.
• Understanding of risk management principles and practices to identify and mitigate risks associated with design and manufacturing.
• Knowledge of cutting edge manufacturing processes and technologies such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing; advanced materials and composite structures; and reusability and refurbishment of vehicles.
• Experience with manufacturing processes and technologies specific to the aerospace and defense industry such as high-performance materials and coatings; advanced propulsion systems and power generation; and secure and reliable communication systems.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills to work with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving and adaptability skills to address complex technical challenges and evolving project requirements.
• Leadership and mentoring skills to guide and develop junior engineers and influence design and manufacturing decisions.
• Program startup experience
Security Clearance Statement: This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level: Secret
Other Important Information You Should Know
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Ability to Work Remotely: Onsite Full-time: The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules: Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Schedule for this Position: 4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Experience Level: Experienced Professional
Business Unit: AERONAUTICS COMPANY
Relocation Available: Possible
Career Area: Mechanical Engineering
Type: Full-Time
Shift: First

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912