Deputy Chief Engineer, Advanced Effects (Missiles)
Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 191,000-253,000 · Full-time · Remote · Posted Oct 14, 2026
At a glance
- Employment
- Full-time
- Workplace
- Remote
- Location
- Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00)
- Salary
- USD 191,000-253,000 · Base salary
About the role
- The Deputy Chief Engineer for Advanced Effects (Missiles) will lead technical and programmatic execution for the Barracuda programs within the Air Dominance and Strike team.
- This role involves architecting product development visions, guiding multi-disciplinary teams, and managing the full lifecycle of missile designs from concept through test and delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical and programmatic execution of new and existing missile designs, fabrication, test, productization, and sustainment.
- Own the technical and programmatic success of programs and establish the vision for internal and external subject matter experts.
- Set up trades to enable exploration of early conceptual designs.
- Work with technical SMEs and Business Development teams to address DOD capability gaps.
- Manage detailed design of systems and subsystems, including requirements development, trades, optimization, and risk management.
- Coordinate fabrication of prototype and low-rate production articles.
- Coordinate subsystem and system-level test efforts.
- Support remotely deployed operations of systems.
- Work with senior leadership to ensure resource plans are adequate for work scope.
Requirements
- Deep understanding of Missile Development or Robotics/consumer electronics.
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Software engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Experience in a senior role leading programs from initial concept through test and delivery.
- Experience driving strategic direction in competitive landscapes and solving complex system optimization challenges.
- Proven ability to deliver functional capabilities while aligning technical objectives with programmatic outcomes.
- Demonstrated collaboration and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of the “why” behind Vehicle and Systems design.
- Experience working on mission-critical DOD systems.
- Experience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed systems.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
Benefits
- Highly competitive equity grants
- Comprehensive, competitive benefits package
Workplace
- Travel up to 25% to Customer and Test Sites.
Skills
- Missile Development
- Robotics
- Consumer Electronics
- Software Engineering
- Requirements Development
- Risk Management
- System Optimization
