Engineering Lead, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is seeking an exceptional Engineering Lead to serve as the senior technical authority responsible for overall system architecture, technical strategy, engineering standards, and integration across all engineering efforts. This role requires a proven senior-level technical leader who ensures engineering rigor and maintains technical integrity throughout the system lifecycle while managing complex, large-scale operations supporting critical national security missions.

Nightwing delivers end-to-end secure IT services leveraging deep experience in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Cyber Vulnerability Assessments (CVAs), and systems integration. As Engineering Lead, you will translate this operational expertise into robust technical architectures, drive engineering excellence across detection and automation platforms, and ensure our solutions remain operationally relevant in dynamic threat environments.

You will be responsible for maintaining the technical integrity of systems operating within accredited environments, ensuring compliance with DoD Information Assurance (IA) requirements, and supporting Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for mission-critical systems. This includes architecting solutions that meet NIST SP 800-171 standards, implementing security-by-design principles, and maintaining system accreditation postures throughout the lifecycle.

This is a high-visibility, technically demanding leadership position requiring an individual who can lead engineering teams supporting programs with 100+ FTEs, navigate complex technical environments in mission settings, and drive organizational success through architectural excellence, technical innovation, and engineering discipline. You will be accountable for the technical health and performance of systems supporting critical Intelligence Community operations.

• Serve as the senior technical authority for all engineering activities across the program portfolio
• Define and maintain system architecture and technical strategy for cybersecurity operations, detection engineering, and automation platforms
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and design patterns across all development and integration efforts
• Ensure technical integrity across all system development, integration, and operational activities
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams of 50+ engineers across multiple disciplines
• Drive architectural decisions that balance mission requirements, technical feasibility, cost, and schedule

• Maintain technical authority over systems requiring Authority to Operate (ATO) within DoD and Intelligence Community environments
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with customer Information Assurance requirements and Standards
• Support system accreditation processes including documentation, testing, and continuous monitoring requirements
• Coordinate with IA/IT personnel to ensure engineering teams maintain required certifications
• Support development of system security documentation for ATO packages

• Oversee integration of cybersecurity tools, SIEM platforms, detection frameworks, and automation capabilities
• Guide software and hardware development efforts supporting SOC operations, threat detection, and incident response
• Ensure interoperability across complex technical environments including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid architectures
• Support prototype validation, operational testing, and system acceptance activities
• Lead Dev Sec Ops  transformation and CI/CD pipeline development for security operations
• Oversee development and deployment of custom detection content, automation playbooks, and orchestration workflows

• Translate operational requirements from Intelligence Community…