Engineering Lead

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.Nightwing is seeking an exceptional Engineering Lead to serve as the senior technical authority responsible for overall system architecture, technical strategy, engineering standards, and integration across all engineering efforts. This role requires a proven senior-level technical leader who ensures engineering rigor and maintains technical integrity throughout the system lifecycle while managing complex, large-scale operations supporting critical national security missions.Nightwing delivers end-to-end secure IT services leveraging deep experience in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Cyber Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs), and systems integration. As Engineering Lead, you will translate this operational expertise into robust technical architectures, drive engineering excellence across detection and automation platforms, and ensure our solutions remain operationally relevant in dynamic threat environments.You will be responsible for maintaining the technical integrity of systems operating within accredited environments, ensuring compliance with DoD Information Assurance (IA) requirements, and supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for mission-critical systems. This includes architecting solutions that meet NIST SP 800-171 standards, implementing security-by-design principles, and maintaining system accreditation postures throughout the lifecycle.This is a high-visibility, technically demanding leadership position requiring an individual who can lead engineering teams supporting programs with 100+ FTEs, navigate complex technical environments in mission settings, and drive organizational success through architectural excellence, technical innovation, and engineering discipline. You will be accountable for the technical health and performance of systems supporting critical Intelligence Community operations.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & ArchitectureServe as the senior technical authority for all engineering activities across the program portfolioDefine and maintain system architecture and technical strategy for cybersecurity operations, detection engineering, and automation platformsEstablish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and design patterns across all development and integration effortsEnsure technical integrity across all system development, integration, and operational activitiesProvide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams of 50+ engineers across multiple disciplinesDrive architectural decisions that balance mission requirements, technical feasibility, cost, and scheduleInformation Assurance & System AccreditationMaintain technical authority over systems requiring Authority to Operate (ATO) within DoD and Intelligence Community environmentsEnsure all engineering activities comply with customer Information Assurance requirements and StandardsSupport system accreditation processes including documentation, testing, and continuous monitoring requirementsCoordinate with IA/IT personnel to ensure engineering teams maintain required certificationsSupport development of system security documentation for ATO packagesSystems Integration & DevelopmentOversee integration of cybersecurity tools, SIEM platforms, detection frameworks, and automation capabilitiesGuide software and hardware development efforts supporting SOC operations, threat detection, and incident responseEnsure interoperability across complex technical environments including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid architecturesSupport prototype validation, operational testing, and system acceptance activitiesLead DevSecOps transformation and CI/CD pipeline development for security operationsOversee development and deployment of custom detection content, automation playbooks, and orchestration workflowsTechnical Program Support & Stakeholder EngagementTranslate operational requirements from Intelligence Community customers into technical solutions and architecturesProvide technical expertise to program management, customers, and senior leadershipInterface directly with Customer, mission partners, and other Intelligence Community stakeholders on technical mattersSupport technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies across the programReview and approve technical deliverables, design documents, and system documentationPresent technical strategies, architectures, and solutions to C-suite and senior government leadershipInnovation & Continuous ImprovementDrive adoption of emerging technologies including AI/ML for threat detection, cloud-native security, and automationSupport continuous improvement of technical processes, development methodologies, and engineering practicesEvaluate and recommend new tools, techniques, platforms, and approachesLead technical assessments of vendor solutions and COTS/GOTS productsChampion security-by-design principles across all engineering activitiesFoster culture of technical excellence, innovation, and knowledge sharingEngineering Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop cross-functional engineering teams including software engineers, detection engineers, security engineers, and automation specialistsEnsure team maintains readiness to support dynamic mission environments and rapid capability developmentConduct technical performance management, career development planning, and succession planningDrive technical hiring to build organizational capability and address skill gapsFoster collaborative, mission-focused engineering culture emphasizing quality, innovation, and accountabilityTechnical Risk Management & Quality AssuranceIdentify, assess, and aggressively mitigate technical risks in mission environmentsDevelop and implement technical contingency plans to ensure system availability and mission continuityEnsure quality assurance through code reviews, testing strategies, and validation processesNavigate technical, schedule, and resource constraints while maintaining mission focusSupport crisis management during system outages, security incidents, or performance degradationBalance technical debt management with feature delivery and mission urgencyRequired QualificationsEducation & CertificationBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, IT, or related STEM fieldAt least one: CISSP, CISM, CCISO, GCDA, Security+ CE, CySA+, or equivalent certificationExperienceEngineering Leadership (One of the following):10+ years engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership of large-scale engineering teams8+ years leading engineering efforts for programs of similar size and scope (100+ FTEs, $50M+ budgets)10+ years architecting and engineering complex systems supporting national security missionsDomain Experience (One of the following):5-8 years cybersecurity, SOC, or cyber incident response experience with engineering focus5-8 years detection engineering and automation experience5-8 years IT services engineering with Intelligence Community customersTechnical KnowledgeDeep understanding of system architecture and engineering principles for enterprise-scale systemsDemonstrated experience with programs of similar size and scope supporting Intelligence Community missionsExtensive knowledge of cybersecurity operations, defensive cyber capabilities, and threat detection methodologiesWorking knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and DevSecOps practicesExperience with cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and infrastructure-as-codeStrong understanding of SIEM platforms (Splunk, Elastic, Sentinel), detection frameworks (Sigma, YARA), and SOAR platformsKnowledge of programming/scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash) and automation frameworksFamiliarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and modern engineering practicesLeadership & Stakeholder ManagementExceptional communication skills with proven ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholdersDemonstrated success in mission environments requiring rapid technical decision-makingTrack record of technical innovation driving mission impact and customer satisfactionStrong technical presence with ability to brief senior military and civilian leadershipExperience managing in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and competing prioritiesProven ability to influence without authority and build technical consensus across organizational boundariesPreferred QualificationsExperience within Intelligence Community (NRO, NSA, CIA, DIA, NGA) and Military mission partner environmentsAdvanced degrees (MS, PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical fieldsAdvanced degrees and certifications in IT process improvement and/or capability frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT, ISO 27001, CISSP, Agile/SAFe)Multiple advanced certifications: CISSP, CISM, GIAC certifications (GCIA, GCIH, GREM, GCFA)Experience leading security operations centers (SOCs) or threat detection programsBackground in threat intelligence, malware analysis, or offensive securityExperience with AI/ML for security, anomaly detection, and advanced analyticsPrior military or intelligence community technical leadership experienceExperience supporting classified programs at TS/SCI level with special access programs (SAP)Track record of technical publications, speaking engagements, or open-source contributionsSuccess MetricsTechnical systems delivered on schedule, within budget, and meeting performance requirementsSystem availability and reliability meeting or exceeding SLAs (99.9999%+ uptime for critical systems)Customer satisfaction with technical solutions, architecture decisions, and engineering supportEngineering team performance including velocity, quality metrics, and technical debt managementTechnical risk mitigation effectiveness with proactive identification and resolution before mission impactInnovation adoption with measurable improvement in capabilities through new technologiesTechnical debt reduction while maintaining feature delivery velocitySecurity posture improvement through architectural enhancements and engineering practicesWhy NightwingLead mission-critical engineering efforts directly supporting Intelligence Community operations and national security objectivesExercise full technical authority with meaningful impact on system architecture, capabilities, and mission effectivenessBuild and lead high-performing engineering teams of talented professionals in cutting-edge cyber and intelligence domainsPartner directly with senior government customers in the Intelligence Community on programs of strategic importanceOperate in environments where your technical leadership, decisions, and innovations truly matter to mission successCompetitive compensation with performance-based incentives tied to technical delivery and innovationAccess to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to work on challenging technical problemsAt Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.Salary & BenefitsThe salary associated with this position ($176,000-$353,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.SummaryLocation: Sterling, VAType: Full time