Role Overview: V2X is seeking a Program Chief Engineer for the Rapid Defense Solutions Team in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Program Chief Engineer (CE) serves as the primary technical authority for assigned defense programs, with full accountability for technical execution, risk posture, and design integrity across the program lifecycle. The CE partners closely with Program Managers, customer technical leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of mission-capable, cost-effective, and compliant solutions aligned to customer requirements, V2X technical standards, and contractual obligations.
ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities: As a Program Chief Engineer, you will:
- Serve as the technical authority and design owner for assigned programs.
- Develop, maintain, and control the technical baseline, architecture, interfaces, and design integrity.
- Lead cross-disciplinary technical teams across systems, software, hardware, cybersecurity, integration, and test.
- Act as the customer-facing technical lead for reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program execution.
- Identify, assess, and manage technical risks throughout the program lifecycle.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager to ensure technical cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.
- Lead technical gate reviews and readiness assessments (e.g., Critical Design Review [CDRs], Test Readiness Review [TRRs], Production Readiness Review [PRRs], Failure Review Boards [FRBs], Consent to Ship [CTS] Reviews).
- Ensure compliance with applicable standards (DoD, MIL-STD, ITAR, cyber compliance, etc.).
- Lead resolution of critical technical issues impacting program execution or delivery.
- Provide technical leadership for proposals, including basis of estimate (BOE), architecture development, and capture support.
- Partner with V2X functional engineering leadership to ensure application of production processes, specialty engineering, and independent technical assessments.
Leadership Competencies:- Strategic technical thinker with ability to balance innovation and disciplined execution.
- Highly collaborative leader able to work across functional teams, customers, and leadership.
- Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Decisive problem solver with strong ownership of program's technical posture.
QualificationsRequired Skills- Proven technical leadership of multi-disciplinary teams on complex DoD or aerospace programs.
- Experience with manufacturing processes, Material Review Boards (MRBs), and transition to production activities, and risk management.
- Proficiency with DoD acquisition lifecycle, systems engineering V-model, and technical review process.
Desired Skills- Prior Chief Engineer, IPT Lead, or Lead Systems Engineer experience at a major defense integrator.
- Design and Development Program Experience
- Knowledge of routings, work instructions, and Production program environments.
- Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, safety standards, cybersecurity compliance (RMF, NIST).
- Active Secret clearance preferred
Education Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline with 11+ years of experience in defense system development, emerging engineering leadership, and program execution. Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
What We BringAt V2X we strive to be market competitive in our total reward offerings.
Employee benefits include the following:
- Healthcare coverage
- Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
- Retirement plan
- Wellness programs
- Paid time off, including holidays and leave of absences
- Eligible Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development resources
- Employee assistance resources
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