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Chief Project Engineer

Description

U.S. Citizenship is Required. Ability to qualify for a US Department of Defense security clearance required. Candidate must be SAP and SCI program eligible.


Toyon Research Corporation is an industry leader in the areas of complex space and missile systems analysis, aerothermodynamics, payload design and development, and ground and flight testing. Our Aerospace Systems Group provides innovative technical solutions to support aerospace programs for the Department of Defense (DoD) and their agencies. We are seeking a highly skilled Chief Project Engineer to provide end-to-end oversight of technical analysis, design, development, system integration, and performance analysis.


Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-discipline technical teams in technology design, development, integration, and test
  • Work with Program Manager to define project objectives, timelines, and deliverables
  • Serve as the project’s primary technical liaison with clients, contractors, and government
  • Translate technical requirements into practical design solutions
  • Oversee prototyping and testing efforts
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize system performance and reliability in operational environments
  • Provide technical recommendations to improve system effectiveness based on analytical insights
  • Mentor and guide engineering teams, fostering technical excellence and professional growth
  • Deliver comprehensive technical briefings and progress updates to internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with R&D teams and external partners to integrate emerging technologies into larger system-ofsystems projects


Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
  • Minimum 15 years in defense technology development, with 5+ years in a leadership role
  • Proficiency in system analysis, modeling, and simulation in the area of strategic defense
  • Experience in the various elements of mechanical, electrical, and RF design and analysis
  • Knowledge of defense industry standards and compliance requirements

Preferred

  • Existing TS Clearance

WE OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE!

  • Competitive Industry Pay
  • 100% Employer-Paid Medical Insurance Premium
  • HSA with Employer Contributions
  • Dental and Vision Coverage Options
  • Company Funded 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Life and Disability Insurance  
  • Paid Parental Leave

The annual pay range for the Chief Project Engineer position is $175,000 to $225,000.


The posted pay range values provide the candidate with guidance on annual base compensation for the position, at a full time level of effort, exclusive of overtime, bonus, and benefits-related compensation, over a range of qualifications that may fit hiring objectives. Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate’s education, work experience, applicable knowledge, skills and training, among other factors, when preparing an offer of employment. 


Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision 


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  


Applicant Privacy Notice 


Learn more about our company in our latest video, We are Toyon. 


Ref #2542-H

Average salary estimate

$200000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
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$175000K
$225000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Chief Project Engineer, Toyon Research

Are you ready to take your career to new heights with Toyon Research Corporation as a Chief Project Engineer? Located in sunny Goleta, California, we are a powerhouse in the tech landscape, excelling in complex space and missile systems analysis among other pioneering endeavors for the Department of Defense (DoD). In this role, you'll be at the helm of cutting-edge projects, overseeing design, technical analysis, and system integration to develop innovative solutions that enhance defense technologies. You'll lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with talented professionals and engaging closely with clients and contractors to ensure project objectives are met with excellence. Your input will shape prototypes and testing efforts while providing crucial recommendations based on rigorous data analysis. With over 15 years in defense technology development, including five or more in leadership, you will guide our engineering teams toward technical excellence, delivering up-to-date briefings and progress reports to stakeholders. If you're an analytical thinker with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a passion for mentorship and collaboration, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity at Toyon, where exceptional benefits and a rewarding career await you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chief Project Engineer Role at Toyon Research
What qualifications are needed for the Chief Project Engineer position at Toyon Research Corporation?

To qualify for the Chief Project Engineer role at Toyon Research Corporation, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Computer Science, with a master's or Ph.D. preferred. In addition to the educational background, at least 15 years of experience in defense technology development is necessary, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role. Proficiency in system analysis and familiarity with mechanical, electrical, and RF design are essential.

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What are the primary responsibilities of a Chief Project Engineer at Toyon Research Corporation?

As the Chief Project Engineer at Toyon Research Corporation, the primary responsibilities include leading cross-discipline technical teams in design and development, serving as a technical liaison with clients and contractors, overseeing prototyping and testing efforts, and collaborating with R&D teams to integrate emerging technologies. This role also involves mentoring engineering teams, delivering technical briefings, and translating technical requirements into actionable design solutions.

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How does Toyon Research Corporation support its Chief Project Engineers professionally?

Toyon Research Corporation is committed to fostering professional growth among its Chief Project Engineers through mentorship opportunities and collaborative team environments. The company encourages continuous learning and technical excellence, allowing engineers to enhance their skills and knowledge, while providing a comprehensive benefits package to support their overall well-being.

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What is the salary range for the Chief Project Engineer position at Toyon Research Corporation?

The salary range for the Chief Project Engineer position at Toyon Research Corporation is between $175,000 and $225,000 annually. This range reflects the candidate's qualifications, including education, work experience, and other relevant skills that meet the company's hiring objectives.

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What makes the Chief Project Engineer role at Toyon Research Corporation unique?

The Chief Project Engineer role at Toyon Research Corporation stands out due to its focus on complex aerospace systems and relationships with the Department of Defense. Candidates will get the chance to work on innovative technologies in a collaborative environment while impacting national defense projects significantly. The company’s exceptional employee benefits further enhance the attractiveness of this unique position.

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Common Interview Questions for Chief Project Engineer
Can you describe your experience with managing large-scale engineering projects?

When addressing this question, detail your specific experience in leading engineering projects, emphasizing metrics of success, team management strategies, and lessons learned. Highlight your role in technical decision-making and how you ensured project objectives were aligned with client expectations.

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How do you approach troubleshooting technical issues within a project?

To answer this, discuss your methodical approach to identifying and resolving technical issues, including how you gather data for analysis, collaborate with team members for insight, and implement solutions while minimizing impact on project timelines.

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What strategies do you use in mentoring junior engineers?

Share specific examples of your mentorship style, how you empower team members to grow their skills, and techniques for providing constructive feedback. Discuss the importance of fostering a positive learning environment and how it contributes to team success.

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Can you discuss a time when you faced a major challenge in a project and how you overcame it?

When responding, narrate a specific challenge, detailing the context and your thought process. Explain the steps you took to overcome the issue and what the outcome was, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and resilience under pressure.

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How do you keep up with industry advancements in technology?

Discuss the methods you use to stay current, such as attending conferences, participating in workshops, or following key industry publications. Emphasize how incorporating new insights into your projects has led to innovative solutions.

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What role does effective communication play in your projects?

Highlight the importance of communication strategies you implement to coordinate among multidisciplinary teams. Explain how effective communication enhances teamwork, project clarity, and stakeholder engagement to achieve project milestones.

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How do you ensure compliance with industry standards in your engineering designs?

Share your approach to integrating compliance checks within the project lifecycle, including understanding defense industry standards and how you incorporate them into design processes and testing protocols.

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What is your experience with system integration in complex engineering projects?

Detail your specific experiences with system integration, including challenges encountered and strategies used to ensure seamless integration of different system components in complex projects.

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How do you prioritize tasks and manage time in a demanding engineering environment?

Explain your prioritization techniques and tools, focusing on how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks. Discuss how effective time management helps you meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

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What innovative project have you led that you are particularly proud of?

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Toyon is employee-owned with approximately 200 employees. Our collaborative culture and employee-owned mindset creates a unique environment of eager and dedicated contributors at every level. Toyon is committed to enabling technical talent to blaz...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 16, 2025

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