Chief Engineer - 1586

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.

SARA, Inc. is looking for an experienced Chief Engineer to join and lead a team of talented program managers, engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in our Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division, located in Cypress CA. The selectee will have the opportunity to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, subject matter mastery in a fast-paced, highly technical environment while contributing to our Directional Receiver Venture. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Leading the technical team
• Executing assigned technical tasks
• Interacting with and developing a good relationship with outside customers
• Ensuring contractual requirements are met
• Converting contractual requirements into specific subtasks and measurable milestones
• Providing a detailed, integrated technical development plan for software, electronic, and mechanical engineering team members
• Adapting development plans based on technical issues and task dependencies between the engineering teams
• Optimizing technical requirements and workflow against cost and schedule
• Evaluating and tracking technical progress
• Providing technical solutions and insight when the engineering team encounters difficulties
• Developing test plans for experiments and requirement verification tests
• Post-test analysis of data
• Presenting detailed technical briefings

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field (mechanical, electrical, software, systems, etc.)
• 5 – 7 years engineering experience
• 2 years of experience successfully leading an engineering team
• Strong technical background in at least one engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, software, systems,…)
• Demonstrated ability to understand customer needs and a product use case
• Demonstrated ability to perceive and communicate a product vision
• Demonstrated ability to decompose a product vision into a system and then into components
• Strong grasp of system development methodologies including V-process, Agile, and Spiral developments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant engineering field (mechanical, electrical, software, systems, etc.) 
• 8 – 10 years of engineering experience
• 5 years of experience successfully leading an engineering team
• A history of successful product developments
• Experience in design for manufacturing
• Experience with product lifecycle management including support, firmware updates, and maintenance
• Demonstrable understanding of best practices in program management 

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $125,000 to $175,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer