Chief Engineer - HADES Satellite Ground Systems

About the role

CACI is hiring a Chief Engineer for its Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) program, which delivers prototype and operational satellite ground systems, satellite operations centers and engineering and support services. The role is based at the RDT&E Support Complex at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is contingent on contract award. The Chief Engineer is the lead technical authority for all HADES engineering, covering Ground Control, Ground Support, Jaguar and hybrid cloud mission systems.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as lead technical authority for architecture, engineering execution, technical baselines and systems integration across all HADES PWS elements.
• Develop and maintain the Systems Engineering Management Plan, including processes, roles, verification and validation approach, metrics, tools and workflows.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams and direct solution development, modernization and integration across heterogeneous ground systems and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Lead technical risk identification, mitigation planning, engineering assessments and performance evaluation.
• Oversee software sustainment, cloud modernization, DevSecOps integration and compatibility with mission partner systems.
• Coordinate technical activities across Ground Control, Ground Support, Jaguar, IDIQ task orders and external partners, and guide integration, testing, verification and validation.
• Ensure cybersecurity alignment with cybersecurity leads and accreditation authorities, and adherence to structured engineering processes.

Required profile

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• 10+ years of experience leading systems engineering, integration, software development, cloud modernization or ground architecture programs.
• Extensive experience supporting DoD ground systems, hybrid cloud C2 architectures, space mission systems or system-of-systems environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinate technical activities.
• Experience developing SE artifacts such as SEMP, architecture documentation, verification plans and performance metrics.
• Preferred: advanced engineering certification or degree in systems, aerospace, computer or related engineering; familiarity with SSC/SYD89 mission environments, RSC operations or hybrid cloud ground systems; prior success as chief engineer or technical authority on large-scale ground system programs.

Required skills

• Systems engineering and systems engineering management plan development
• Software and hardware integration, system availability and sustainment engineering
• DevSecOps and cloud modernization

What we offer

• Proposed pay range of $108,900 - $239,500, depending on location, contract wage rates, experience and skills.
• Healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education and time off benefits.
• Flexible time off and learning resources.