Director of Engineering, C5ISR - Top Secret Clearance Eligible

Job Title : Director of Engineering - C5ISR
Work Type : Onsite
Location : Gilbert, AZ
Salary : $165,000 – $185,000

Overview

Our client, a federal contractor supporting the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking an experienced  Director of Engineering – C5ISR  to lead engineering operations, technical program execution, and workforce development across advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) programs.

This role is heavily focused on engineering execution and technical program delivery. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on technical leadership with the ability to lead engineering teams supporting autonomous systems, surveillance technologies, mission systems integration, and ATR/AITR capabilities in support of national security objectives.

The Director of Engineering will collaborate closely with executive leadership, program management, business development, and government stakeholders to ensure successful execution of engineering initiatives while advancing innovation, operational excellence, and organizational growth.

The role emphasizes systems solutions that involve sensor integration, secure communication networks, command and control (C2), hybrid power generation systems for deployment of border/perimeter security and surveillance systems in locations that range from urban to austere environments. Additionally, the applications include Counter-UAS Detect, Track, Identify, and Defeat systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead execution of engineering programs and technical initiatives within the C5ISR technology domain. 
• Manage engineering teams responsible for the development, integration, testing, and sustainment of defense-related systems and technologies. 
• Provide direct technical leadership across autonomous systems, surveillance technologies, mission systems, and ATR/AITR solutions. 
• Drive technical strategy and innovation by identifying emerging technologies, mission requirements, and market trends relevant to C5ISR programs. 
• Support engineering execution across programs involving DHS and DoW mission environments. 
• Collaborate with government customers, laboratories, subcontractors, and industry partners to establish technical relationships and support mission objectives. 
• Support proposal development, capture activities, technical solution development, staffing strategies, and cost/schedule planning for new business opportunities. 
• Ensure engineering processes align with quality, cybersecurity, and compliance standards applicable to federal defense contractors. 
• Develop and manage engineering staffing plans, workforce development initiatives, and employee performance management activities. 
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, program management, and executive leadership teams to ensure successful program delivery and operational efficiency. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across engineering teams. 
• Operate autonomously as a technical and organizational leader capable of driving engineering execution with minimal oversight. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline. 
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering or product development experience supporting defense, military, DHS, or federal programs. 
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, engineering organizations, or large-scale defense technology programs. 
• Strong understanding of C5ISR systems, defense technologies, systems engineering, and technical program execution. 
• Experience supporting autonomous systems, surveillance technologies, or mission systems integration efforts. 
• Experience supporting proposal development, capture activities, staffing strategies, and technical planning for government contracts. 
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, program management, operations, and executive leadership teams. 
• Understanding of quality management systems, engineering lifecycle processes, and program execution methodologies. 
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills. 
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Gilbert, AZ during core business hours (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM). 
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline. 
• PMP certification or Earned Value Management (EVM) experience. 
• Experience supporting DHS and/or DoW mission programs. 
• Experience with ATR/AITR technologies, autonomous platforms, or advanced surveillance systems. 
• Experience leading engineering efforts for military communications, networking, command center, or tactical systems. 
• Knowledge of agile engineering practices, advanced defense technologies, and mission systems integration. 
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance preferred. 

Eligibility:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Benefits

Compensation:

Salary for this position is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and the specific requirements of the contract.

Range: $165,000 – $185,000

Benefits:

Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include:

• Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options 
• Prescription coverage with mail-order option 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance 
• 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Wellness and Employee Discount programs 
• Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31) 
• Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)