Chief Engineer

*Authorized to work in the US required; US Citizenship preferred *Remote Position TBD *Applicants residing in the DMV area preferred as the client is located in Silver Spring, MD *Three references required POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for engineering and systems activities in support of the NOAA. This position provides organization-wide engineering leadership and ensures the technical integrity, integration, and performance of complex marine, aviation, and associated mission platforms throughout their life cycles. The Chief Engineer leads and oversees multidisciplinary engineering efforts supporting the planning, design, development, acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance, and modernization of NOAA ships, aircraft (manned and unmanned), and supporting systems in accordance with mission requirements and regulatory standards. RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as the senior technical authority and subject matter expert for complex, mission-critical marine, aviation, and supporting systems. Provide organization-wide engineering leadership across multidisciplinary engineering domains, ensuring technical integrity and integration. Direct engineering strategic planning, requirements analysis, concept development, and feasibility assessments. Oversee systems design, integration, test and evaluation, and risk mitigation for new and existing platforms. Provide technical oversight for system construction, modification, modernization, and life-cycle sustainment activities. Advise senior leadership on technical risks, trade-offs, and engineering solutions while ensuring regulatory and safety compliance. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering management, or a related technical discipline 15+ years of experience applying an organization-wide engineering discipline across strategic planning, requirements analysis, systems design, engineering, integration, test and evaluation, construction, and program implementation. Demonstrated experience supporting complex aeronautical, marine, mechanical, electrical, civil, or systems engineering projects. Proven ability to act as a senior technical authority on complex or high-risk engineering systems. Executive-level leadership presence with the ability to manage complex, mission-critical programs. Strong understanding of federal contracting environments and compliance requirements. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to adapt program strategies in response to evolving organizational goals, regulations, and mission needs. Experience working with NOAA preferred Think Tank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Compensation for the successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of factors, including education, relevant work experience, work location, specific job responsibilities, professional certifications, and other job-related criteria. Think Tank also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; long-term and short-term disability; and a 401(k) plan. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.