Chief Engineer and Architect - Huntsville, Alabama

Job Description

Job Description

The threat moves at software speed. Most of the defense industry doesn't. The part that does burns its engineers down to the wick, then calls the ashes culture. We've seen it. You've seen it. And Davidson breaks both habits.

Davidson runs a chief engineer model - that is, a named technical authority per business unit, short lines to leadership, with real say. This seat is the chief engineer of our MSI Business Unit. We title it Chief Engineer and Architect because the SCALE platform is where that authority lands first.

As the Chief Engineer, you own the technical vision, architecture, and execution of SCALE, our supply-chain decision platform, plus the systems around it. You'll lead a cross-functional software developer, data, and cyber team - and stay hands-on where your hands make it better. You'll set the strategy SCALE runs on - pushing beyond legacy thinking to deliver truly innovative solutions.

You'll shape the team's technical direction. You'll collaborate with other chief engineers in the company, our Davidson Labs innovation arm, and brilliant technical leadership across the US. One seat, two altitudes - driving impact both on a crucial platform and across an entire business unit.

What you'll do:

• Technical Leadership & Vision: Define and champion the long-term technical vision for the SCALE platform and related systems, aligning with business objectives and emerging technologies.
• Architectural Authority: Design, document, and oversee the implementation of scalable, secure, and resilient architectures that support cutting-edge supply chain solutions.
• Hands-On Execution: Stay technically engaged - coding, prototyping, troubleshooting - where it drives impact and accelerates development. You'll be a technical leader and contributor.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Program Management, Product Owners, and other stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of impactful solutions.
• Strategic Influence: Collaborate with other Chief Engineers across Davidson and contribute to our innovative efforts through Davidson Labs.
• Innovation & Exploration: Investigate and integrate new technologies (AI/ML, quantum computing applications, etc.) to enhance platform capabilities and address evolving challenges.

What you bring:

• 15+ years of experience in software engineering, architecture, or a related technical field.
• Deep understanding of modern software development practices, cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP), data science principles, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Proven track record of leading complex technical projects from conception to deployment.
• Experience with supply chain management systems is highly desirable.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• A willingness to "zig" when everyone else is "zagging."

This role blends deep engineering chops, industry insight, technical leadership, and engineering execution on a supply chain platform that has room for disruption.

Clearance:

• Must currently hold a DoD Secret security clearance with ability to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.