Hypersonics Chief Engineer

Overview

The Leidos Innovations Center (LInC) has an opening for a Hypersonics Chief Engineer for air-breathing in our King of Prussia, PA, Shalimar, FL, or Beavercreek, OH office. The candidate will provide high speed vehicle technical leadership within Leidos and Department of Defense customer community to capture and execute air-breathing missile system design programs. The candidate will apply deep domain knowledge to develop concepts for business development, marketing, and proposal activities to grow the Leidos air-breathing hypersonics program portfolio, providing prototype sub-systems and systems for national defense.

• The Chief Engineer will lead development and execution of new missile system concepts to capture and execute programs for the design of high-speed weapon systems.
• You will lead technical execution across all system activities, from concept development through prototyping.
• You will also develop discriminating Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis techniques through contract and internal R&D.

The successful candidate will drive technical innovation in the Hypersonics and Counter-Hypersonics systems business area:

• Grow the Concept Development business by integrating advanced air-breathing propulsion systems into novel missile systems, moving progressively up the TRL chain from concept/systems analysis to prototype development.
• Create discriminating MS&A capabilities via contracts and internal R&D, market to customers and internal stakeholders, win and execute programs. The goal is to refine air-breathing vehicle concepts or MS&A programs to proposal level for multiple opportunities within one year.

At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including 4 or more weeks Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and more. Join us and make a difference in Advanced Warfare Technology!

• Impact & Complexity:
  Impacts functional strategy by developing new solutions, processes, standards or operational plans that position Leidos competitively in the marketplace. Leads the development of highly innovative products/solutions, achieved through collaboration and dialogue with other experts in the field.
• Communication:
  Must communicate with Leidos personnel and interact daily with customer program leadership and team members and end users. Must develop a clear understanding of customer goals and objectives and shape work to achieve those goals. Typically negotiates and compromises to convince internal and external parties to accept concepts, practices and approaches of the area.
• Knowledge:
  Requires highest knowledge and mastery of highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts. Viewed as a subject matter expert in the field by peers within and outside the organization. Domain-specific knowledge in air-breathing propulsion such as turbine engines, ramjets, dual mode ramjets, and rotary detonation engines, Hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, Modeling and Simulation, and Weapons Systems Engineering is desired.
• Education:
  
  Requires a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical or similar discipline and > 10 years’ experience. Independence:
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate independently with limited supervision and feedback.
• Travel:
  Ability to travel as needed
• Clearance:
  Must be a U.S. Citizen with an existing Secret clearance. Preferred active TS clearance.

• Leadership and Program Management:
  Prior experience in managing DoD research efforts is a plus. Preference given to candidates with experience in AFRL, DARPA, ONR, and similar. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous efforts while keeping on schedule and on budget. Past experience in leading a diverse team with successful outcomes.
• Business Development Acumen:
  Strong candidates will have prior experience in leading successful business development campaigns. Skills include effectively communicating with customers, understanding their needs, and developing white papers and proposals. Ability to develop and communicate a strategy for new business with management is also desired.

Original Posting:
September 30, 2025

Pay Range $ - $

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.