Geared toward seasoned systems engineering leaders comfortable with full lifecycle missile development and cross-domain technical integration.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from CHAOS Industries via Greenhouse
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.
Role Overview:
CHAOS is seeking a Chief Engineer to own the technical direction of our long range missile program, from concept and architecture through qualification, flight test, and production transition. You will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team and be the senior technical authority across airframe, guidance, propulsion, integration, and test. This is a build-and-fly environment where you will be accountable for getting real hardware flying.
Responsibilities
Serve as the senior technical authority for missile system architecture, requirements, and design decisions
Lead system-level trade studies, technical risk management, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
Direct integration of airframe, guidance and navigation, propulsion, and avionics subsystems
Own system verification and validation, including test planning and flight test readiness
Provide technical leadership across mechanical, electrical, software, firmware, and systems teams, and mentor senior engineers
Partner with program management, manufacturing, and customers to translate mission needs into executable technical plans
Drive configuration control and the transition from prototype to production and fielding
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field
15+ years of experience developing missile, munition, or high-TRL flight systems, including technical leadership of a program or major subsystem
Demonstrated experience taking a system through full lifecycle development, including flight test
Detailed understanding of tactical aircraft carriage environments and missile employment envelopes
Intuitive knowledge of propulsion systems and airframe controls as well as guidance/navigation techniques for long range strike systems
Detailed understanding of target phenomenology and defeat mechanisms
Strong command of systems engineering practice and DoD standards for safety, environments, and test
Current or recent DoD SECRET clearance
Preferred Requirements:
Master's degree or higher
Current or recent DoD TOP SECRET security clearance; eligibility for SAP and/or SCI indoc.
Prior role as Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or Technical Director on a fielded missile program
Detailed understanding of ground launcher and shipboard integration environments
Full grasp of the long-range kill chain starting at intelligence collection, mission planning, pre-launch and post-launch mission execution
Experience with a prime integrator or in a fast-moving defense startup
Why CHAOS?
Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
Our Perks: Free daily lunch while you're working onsite, fully-stocked kitchen, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
Team Growth: 500+ employees and counting across 5 global offices
Salary Range: $220,000 - $300,000
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.
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