IDCS Chief Engineer

About the role

Leidos' Air and Space Force Division is hiring a Chief Engineer for the Air Force's Integrated Defensive Cyberspace System (IDCS) program, reporting directly to the Defensive Cyber Portfolio Director. The IDCS program supports the Air Force's defensive cyberspace weapon systems and capabilities, and the selected engineer will plan, design, develop, integrate, verify, validate and field the program's solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide engineering expertise and oversight across the capability delivery lifecycle, from requirements through fielding and transition to operations
• Work with the program manager on schedules, design alternatives, subcontractor selection and resolution of technical challenges
• Perform requirements, functional, timeline and trade studies, interface definition, technical management, integration, system testing and quality assurance
• Oversee system planning and design compatible with the Government Reference Architecture
• Guide the team on product development and deliverables, communicate with the Government and negotiate stakeholder acceptance of concepts and solutions
• Resolve technical problems, collaborate with experts, and help the program manager with SOWs, RFPs, technical evaluations and subcontractor approvals
• Mentor mid-level and junior staff

Required profile

• Top Secret security clearance obtainable within 365 days of start
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technically related field
• 12+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in a technical leadership role
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in at least two cyber disciplines
• Proven expertise leading, architecting and executing large-scale development programs

Required skills

• Systems engineering and experience with software, defensive cyber and DoD weapons systems
• Writing subsystem specifications and managing cross-discipline contributors
• Understanding of SDLC, Agile, traditional project management and DevSecOps
• DoD 8140 certification (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP)
• Preferred: experience with defensive cyber weapon systems, SAFe, SELC, AI/ML for threat hunting, and USAF/DoD acquisition plans