Chief Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Chartis Federal

Chartis Federal is a premier systems engineering and integration firm specializing in mission-critical IT and communications solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate across 22 states and support essential government missions worldwide.

Our commitment to excellence has fueled our year-over-year growth, earning us recognition twice as a Washington Technology FAST 50 company and securing a place on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years. At Chartis Federal, our mission is clear: keeping heroes safe and connected—on the battlefield, on the border, and in our backyards.

Position Overview

The Chief Systems Engineer (CSE) serves as the senior technical authority for the eCOMM VI P-25 Digital Trunked Land Mobile Radio (LMR) modernization across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

This role provides system-level technical leadership, architectural governance, regulatory compliance oversight, and performance validation across all project phases. The CSE ensures technical integrity of RF engineering, network interconnectivity, microwave backhaul, and system integration activities while delegating field execution and installation activities to engineering and construction teams.

The Chief Systems Engineer works in coordination with the Program Manager and Deputy PM to ensure all technical deliverables meet required standards prior to lifecycle phase transitions.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

Technical Architecture Governance

• Establish and maintain the technical architecture baseline for the P-25 Digital LMR system.
• Review and approve system design specifications, including RF modeling, coverage analysis, microwave backhaul, and MPLS network architecture.
• Validate interoperability requirements between St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
• Ensure architectural alignment prior to procurement and construction activities.

RF & Engineering Oversight

• Provide technical review and approval of:
  • Coverage reports and propagation models
  • Drive test methodologies and results
  • Antenna configurations and RF optimization strategies
  • Structural integration and grounding designs
• Validate A&E deliverables and technical drawings prior to release for construction.
• Serve as escalation authority for complex RF or system integration issues.

Interconnectivity & Network Validation

• Oversee technical design and integration of microwave radio terminals, MPLS routers, and network backbone components.
• Ensure resilient, redundant inter-island communications architecture.
• Review and certify interconnectivity performance prior to operational deployment.

Installation & Testing Oversight

• Establish technical acceptance criteria for installation and integration phases.
• Validate antenna sweep results and system configuration benchmarks.
• Review system performance testing results, including:
  • Signal strength and coverage validation
  • Voice clarity and transmission performance
  • Interoperability and reliability testing
• Approve readiness for system cutover and migration from legacy analog LMR infrastructure

Compliance & Regulatory Assurance

• Ensure adherence to: P-25 standards; FCC licensing and regulatory requirements; Applicable federal and territorial compliance standards
• Support documentation required for inspections, audits, and grant compliance.

Technical Leadership & Knowledge Transfer

• Provide technical direction to RF engineers, A&E teams, network engineers, and subcontractors.
• Participate in milestone reviews and technical decision gates.
• Support training and knowledge transfer to BIT RF personnel.
• Review and approve final system documentation prior to handover.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in radio telecommunications engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership in the design or implementation of at least one P-25 Digital LMR Network.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in interconnectivity technologies (microwave, fiber, satellite, MPLS).
• Strong expertise in RF engineering, coverage modeling, and system optimization.
• Experience integrating public safety communications systems across multiple sites.
• Experience working with FCC licensing and regulatory compliance processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Advanced telecommunications or RF certifications.
• Experience in hurricane-prone or island environments.
• Experience supporting public safety or emergency communications modernization efforts.
• Experience with grant-funded infrastructure programs.

Why Join Chartis Federal?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plans with company contributions
• Professional development opportunities and career growth support
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued

At Chartis Federal, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation while supporting critical national security missions. Join us in shaping the future of government contracting and national security solutions.

Chartis Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employs qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other classification proscribed under applicable law. We participate in E-Verify.