Systems Engineer Chief
SAIC · Chantilly
Position Overview
We are looking for a Chief Systems Engineer to lead technical strategy and solution development for AI demonstrations and production solutions, as well as shared software platform strategies across the IC markets. This is a senior technical role that sits at the intersection of customer engagement, solution architecture, and internal strategy. The right person will be as comfortable in a customer meeting discussing mission requirements as they are driving technical decisions on shared software platforms and cloud architecture.
In this role you will own the technical go-to-market strategy for our Intelligence AI software solutions, working closely with business development, program leadership, and customer stakeholders to shape solutions before and during capture. You will provide the framework for the design of shared software platforms, data integration frameworks and libraries, and multi-tenant environments across cloud and hybrid cloud infrastructures. You will be a primary voice with customers and a key internal partner on strategic decisions that shape how we position and grow in these markets.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in systems engineering and software architecture within the intelligence community, with direct experience supporting NRO, NGA, or adjacent IC customers. You should have a strong background in cloud and hybrid cloud solution design, multi-tenant architecture, and data integration at enterprise scale. Experience with AI and machine learning platforms in an operational or demonstration context is preferred.
You are someone who can translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences, build credibility with senior customer stakeholders, and drive alignment internally across engineering, program, and business development teams. Prior experience contributing to capture efforts, technical proposals, or go-to-market strategy in a government contracting environment is strongly preferred.
This is a senior role that operates with a high degree of autonomy. You will work independently to identify and resolve issues across development and implementation, drive long-range technical planning, and recommend where we should be investing in new capabilities. You will serve as a key technical voice externally with customers and internally with senior leadership, and you will play a direct role in shaping and winning new business.
Expected tasks and responsibilities for the role:
- Lead the development of technical go-to-market strategies for AI software solutions targeting IC customers
- Define strategies for the architectural framework for shared software platforms, data integration libraries, and multi-tenant cloud and hybrid cloud environments
- Engage directly with customer stakeholders to understand mission requirements and translate those into viable technical solutions
- Partner with business development and program leadership to shape technical approaches during capture and proposal development
- Contribute to and review technical proposals, white papers, and solution briefs to ensure accuracy, credibility, and differentiation
- Identify emerging technologies and assess their applicability to our target markets and customer missions
- Serve as the primary technical spokesperson in customer meetings, industry events, and internal strategy discussions
- Drive alignment across engineering, program management, and business development teams on technical direction and solution priorities
- Support pipeline development by identifying new opportunities where our software and AI capabilities can address customer needs
- Establish and communicate technical standards and best practices for AI solution development and deployment across the portfolio
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineering staff across programs and pursuits
- Collaborate with partners and vendors to evaluate and integrate complementary capabilities into our solution offerings
- Advise senior leadership on long-range technical strategy, investment priorities, and capability development
- Track and assess competitor technical approaches and market trends to inform our positioning and solution development
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