Engineering Technical Lead (Defense Technology)

Location: San Diego, CA, United States. Hybrid/on-site arrangement requiring at least 4 days in the office. Ability to travel up to 25% of the time is required. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Salary: $135,000–$273,000 per year; listed pay ranges include $135,000–$231,000 and $164,000–$273,000.

Company

hirify.global delivers mission-critical software and systems solutions, automation, digital engineering, and rapid integration capabilities for the U.S. government and complex weapon and combat systems.

What you will do

• Lead, mentor, and coordinate an engineering team, including priorities, tasking, and professional development.
• Translate stakeholder needs into prioritized requirements, success criteria, schedules, and execution plans.
• Architect scalable hardware and software systems focused on performance, reliability, and sustainability.
• Manage program execution, processes, tools, skill-gap planning, procurement efficiency, quality, cost, and schedule adherence.
• Lead deployment, installation, integration, operational support, and validation of complex distributed and tactical systems during live test events.
• Collaborate with senior warfighters, test directors, and government sponsors while analyzing test results and resolving advanced operational issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or another STEM field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 7 years of experience designing, developing, and managing complex software systems for the DoD.
• Proven ability to deploy, operate, and sustain Navy software and hardware systems in mission-critical environments.
• Strong system integration and testing experience, including distributed and tactical systems, plus experience leading and coordinating field test execution.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills across software, networks, hardware, and operational processes.
• Understanding of the Systems Engineering V-Model and standard software development processes.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time as needed.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with the U.S. Navy and government contracts.
• Experience with logistics processes, procurement, classified packaging, and spares management.
• Experience in proposal development and cost estimation.
• Familiarity with Navy C4I systems, surface warfare systems, and tactical applications such as Aegis Weapon System, CEC, or Link-16.
• Proficiency in scripting or algorithm implementation using C++, Python, JavaScript, Java, MATLAB, or other languages.
• Strong background in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, IT, or Networking.

Culture & Benefits

• Entrepreneurial culture with collaborative, social office environments.
• Benefits package, competitive PTO, and paid holidays.
• 401(k) with immediate vesting and matching.
• Optional 9/80 schedule with the second and fourth Friday off each month.
• Tuition assistance, professional development resources, and pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Monthly technology events, employee recognition awards, social events, and catered lunches.