What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Director / Chief Engineer position at Morgan Stephens?
Technical Director / Chief Engineer (Maritime Systems)
Location: Chicopee, MA
Work Schedule: 9/80 Schedule (Every Other Friday Off)
Job Type: Direct Hire | 100% On-Site
Compensation: $225,000 – $275,000 per year Executive Benefits
Security Requirement
• Active DoD Secret Clearance Required
• U.S. Citizenship Required
About the Organization
• Established defense-focused engineering organization
• Supports advanced maritime and undersea technology programs
• Multi-million-dollar portfolio serving U.S. DoD and international partners
• Strong emphasis on innovation, disciplined systems engineering, and operational excellence
Position Overview
• Serve as the senior technical authority for a maritime engineering business unit
• Lead a 100-person cross-functional engineering organization
• Oversee full product lifecycle from R&D and proposal through low-rate production and deployment
• Partner with executive leadership to align technical strategy with business objectives
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Technical Leadership
• Maintain accountability for technical, cost, and schedule performance across all programs
• Oversee customer-funded initiatives and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts
• Lead modernization of systems engineering practices including MBSE and Design for Manufacturability
Program & Financial Oversight
• Manage lifecycle execution from proposal through sustainment
• Review and approve Estimates to Complete (ETC)
• Ensure alignment with Design-to-Cost objectives
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) and performance metrics to monitor program health
Team Development & Resource Planning
• Directly supervise and mentor 3–6 Program Chief Engineers
• Lead and influence a 100-person matrixed engineering team
• Collaborate across functional groups to align talent with mission-critical timelines
Risk, Quality & Compliance
• Guide Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) initiatives
• Ensure adherence to Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Control Account Management (CAM) practices
• Represent engineering in executive and high-level DoD briefings
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree 12 years of relevant experience
OR
• Master’s/MBA 10 years of experience leading cross-functional engineering teams (including leadership of a 40 person team)
• Deep knowledge of EVM, CAM, and Integrated Master Scheduling
• Experience transitioning development programs into qualification and low-rate production
• Active DoD Secret clearance
• U.S. Citizenship
Preferred
• Experience with undersea/subsea systems, maritime sensors, or optical systems
• Background in fixed-price defense development programs
• Experience supporting international defense contracts
• Demonstrated leadership in process improvement and engineering functional management
Executive Benefits
• Comprehensive health coverage
• 401(k) with immediate vesting options
• Disability coverage
• Parental leave
• Education assistance programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Executive-level benefit structure
Salary : $225,000 - $275,000