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Executive Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TrueField Systems LLC

Chief Engineer

Raleigh, NC

TRUEFIELD SYSTEMS LLC Chief Engineer Full-Time • Early-Stage Startup • Field & Lab Environment Reports To CEO / Co-Founder Location Raleigh area, NC Stage Early-stage. Harvester in planned ...

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Sierra Nevada Corporation

Chief Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

Join our team as a Chief Engineer and lead the charge in innovation and efficiency. Leverage ... executive leadership and external customers * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Chief Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

Join our team as a Chief Engineer and lead the charge in innovation and efficiency. Leverage ... executive leadership and external customers * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision ...

Tutorperini

Chief Engineer

New Rochelle, NY · On-site

$235K - $300K/yr

Tutor Perini Corporation is seeking a Chief Engineer to join our corporate office in New Rochelle ... and executive leadership. * Proficiency with standard engineering and construction software ...

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Chief Engineer

Plano, TX

Join our team as a Chief Engineer and lead the charge in innovation and efficiency. Leverage ... executive leadership and external customers * Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision ...

Tutor Perini

Chief Engineer

New Rochelle, NY · On-site

$235K - $300K/yr

Tutor Perini Corporation is seeking a Chief Engineer to join our corporate office in New Rochelle ... and executive leadership. * Proficiency with standard engineering and construction software ...

Ursa Major

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$175K - $230K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle-from ... Ability to clearly communicate complex technical decisions to executive leadership and customers.

Timken

Chief Engineer - Mobile

North Canton, OH · On-site

CHIEF ENGINEER - MOBILE Purpose The Chief Engineer - Mobile manages the Mobile Application ... Act as the primary technical contact for customer technical executives and decision makers ...

Ursa Major

Chief Engineer, Vehicle

Berthoud, CO

$175K - $230K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle--from ... Ability to clearly communicate complex technical decisions to executive leadership and customers.

Shield AI

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Washington, DC · On-site

$205K - $307K/yr

Shield AI is seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy ... Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence government, military, and ...

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Executive Chief Engineer information

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How much do executive chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chief engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges Executive Chief Engineers face when leading multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Executive Chief Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning diverse teams toward common project goals, especially when managing large-scale or complex engineering projects. Balancing technical innovation with budgetary and timeline constraints requires strong leadership and strategic planning skills. Additionally, fostering effective communication among engineers, architects, and external stakeholders is key to ensuring that all technical requirements are met while complying with industry standards. Navigating these challenges successfully can lead to significant professional growth and visibility within the organization.

What is the difference between Executive Chief Engineer vs Chief Engineer?

AspectExecutive Chief EngineerChief Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, management experienceEngineering degree, professional engineering license, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, high-level managementManages daily engineering operations, project execution, technical supervision
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, shipbuilding, aerospace, manufacturingConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, industrial facilities

The Executive Chief Engineer typically holds a higher-level, strategic role with broader responsibilities, including management and oversight of multiple projects or departments. The Chief Engineer focuses more on technical leadership and daily engineering operations. Both roles require engineering credentials and industry experience, but the Executive Chief Engineer often combines technical expertise with leadership and strategic planning skills.

What is an Executive Chief Engineer?

An Executive Chief Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing all engineering operations within an organization or large project. They manage engineering teams, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinate with other departments to meet strategic goals. This role typically involves budgeting, project management, and leading innovation initiatives. Executive Chief Engineers often play a key part in setting technical direction and implementing new technologies. Their leadership ensures that engineering projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Chief Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chief Engineer, you need extensive engineering expertise, leadership experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering along with a professional engineering license. Familiarity with project management software, building automation systems, and compliance standards such as OSHA is crucial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the successful delivery of engineering projects.
What cities are hiring for Executive Chief Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Executive Chief Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Chief Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Chief Engineer jobs include:
Executive Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Chief Engineer, Autonomy (R5150)

Shield AI

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. They are seeking a Chief Engineer of Autonomy to lead the technical execution of autonomy capabilities for military aviation initiatives, ensuring mission-ready autonomy systems perform effectively in real-world environments.
Responsibilities:
• Serve as the senior technical authority for Shield AI's CCA autonomy efforts, accountable for technical strategy, architecture, execution, customer engagement, and mission effectiveness.
• Lead the development, integration, and deployment of operational autonomy capabilities from concept through flight test, operational evaluation, and fielding.
• Define and evolve autonomy architectures spanning mission planning, perception, decision-making, collaborative behaviors, human-machine teaming, and platform integration.
• Drive engineering rigor and technical governance across the program, ensuring sound architectural decisions, disciplined execution, and mission-focused outcomes.
• Partner closely with program leadership to balance risk, schedule, operational requirements, and customer priorities.
• Lead technical readiness for major demonstrations, flight tests, program milestones, operational assessments, and customer engagements.
• Direct verification, validation, and operational integration efforts required to establish trust, performance, safety, and mission effectiveness.
• Build and mentor a world-class technical organization consisting of chief engineers, architects, principal engineers, autonomy developers, and mission domain experts.
• Help shape the future of autonomous air combat by influencing requirements, concepts of operation, technical roadmaps, and next-generation autonomy capabilities.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 15+ years of engineering experience developing complex aerospace, defense, autonomy, weapons, or mission-critical systems.
• Experience serving as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Chief Architect, Technical Fellow, Technical Program Manager, or equivalent technical leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading large multidisciplinary engineering teams through development, integration, test, and deployment of operational systems.
• Proven ability to lead across software, systems, AI/ML, simulation, mission systems, flight test, and operational stakeholders.
• Experience delivering major defense products with significant technical complexity and customer visibility.
• Experience working directly with Air Force, Navy, Operational Users, Program Executive Offices, or major defense acquisition programs.
• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence government, military, and industry leaders.
• Experience operating effectively in rapidly evolving, high-consequence environments.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
Preferred:
• Experience with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP), advanced aviation autonomy programs, or related initiatives.
• Experience with crewed-uncrewed teaming, mission autonomy, autonomous mission systems, air combat autonomy, or collaborative autonomous systems.
• Background in military aviation, advanced aerospace systems, weapons systems, mission systems integration, or combat aircraft development.
Company:
Shield AI is a deep-tech company that focuses on developing AI-powered systems to enhance the safety of service members and civilians. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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