TacIRST Platform Expansion Chief Engineer

Job Description The Tactical Infrared Search and Track (TacIRST) Platform-Expansion Chief Engineer provides technical leadership for the development, integration, and fielding of infrared-threat-warning technology across a portfolio of platforms and customers. This position reports to the Advanced Threat-Warning Systems (ATWS) program-area Chief Engineer and partners with senior engineers, program managers, and the U.S. Government (USG) customer base to ensure seamless delivery of TacIRST capabilities to multiple air vehicles. The work directly impacts war‑fighter survivability and mission success across services and allied forces. What You Will Be Doing Provide technical leadership for the TacIRST portfolio - set the overall system architecture and guide end‑to‑end integration of hardware and signal processing algorithms. Drive technical risk management, trade offs, and affordability decisions, and continuous improvement metrics to keep the program on track. Partner with USG customers and internal stakeholders to communicate requirements, risks, trade offs, lessons learned, and act as the primary LM point of contact for TacIRST Platform Expansion technical matters. Mentor talent and promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and Full Spectrum Leadership (technical, people, business, strategic). Lead technical reviews and ensure compliance with performance, reliability and safety requirements. Oversee integration of TacIRST onto diverse platforms (e.g., multiple fighters, UAS, other air vehicles). Manage platform‑specific tailoring while preserving core system performance. Lead customer briefings, status updates, technical interchange meetings, and readiness reviews. Ensure appropriate Engineering & Technology (E&T) staffing and resource allocation across the portfolio. Identify, track, and mitigate technical risks; participate in Failure Review Boards, technical reviews, and Mission Success Reviews. Capture lessons learned and share best practices across the ATWS Chief Engineer staff. Provide technical oversight to key suppliers; verify compliance with specifications, schedule commitments, and conduct technical reviews at supplier sites when required. Coordinate cross‑discipline IPTs to align schedules, interfaces, and milestones. Requirements Deliver integrated hardware, algorithm, and software solutions on time and within budget, orchestrating rigorous reviews, risk‑focused trade studies, and clear communication with customers, suppliers, partners, and senior leadership. Demonstrate strong influence and communication across capture, program management, and technical stakeholders, driving execution while balancing competing priorities. Balance affordability, technical performance, and schedule requirements; understand trade offs and risks of complex engineering projects. Plan and lead technical solutions from proposal through all development phases and transition to production. Show a strong understanding of Full Spectrum Leadership (FSL) principles (technical, people, business, strategic). Possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Basic Qualifications Have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university and relevant professional experience. Proven technical management of large cross‑discipline engineering teams in infrared sensor/optics systems. Working knowledge of subcontractor technical management. Must be available for occasional domestic travel. Active Secret clearance. Desired Skills Advanced degree in engineering from an accredited college or university is preferred. Prior experience at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is preferred. Proven ability to manage flexible manpower across multiple fast‑turn pursuits, emphasizing adaptability and effective resource allocation. Familiarity with export‑controlled (ITAR/EAR) hardware development and CUI handling. Experience managing subcontractor technical performance and integrating external hardware into system architecture. Knowledge of Full Spectrum Leadership (FSL) principles and a proven track record applying them in a defense technology or aerospace program. Experience in leading Failure Analysis, Failure Review Boards, and root cause investigations. Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance is preferred. Pay Rate and Benefits National Pay Statement: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $139,600 - $246,100. For other states, the range reflects the candidate’s final work location. Premium Pay Statement: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $160,500 - $278,300. For other states, the range reflects the candidate’s final work location. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Position is incentive plan eligible. EEO Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics. #J-18808-Ljbffr