Chief Engineer

  • Washington, DC
  • Posted 1 day ago | Updated 2 hours ago

Overview

On Site
USD 75.00 - 80.00 per hour
Contract - Independent
Contract - W2

Skills

IT Management
IT Operations
Quality Management
Microsoft Excel
Innovation
Enterprise Architecture
IT Strategy
Computer Networking
Cyber Security
Testing
Technical Writing
Risk Management
Security Controls
Root Cause Analysis
Configuration Management
Change Control
Management
Documentation
Test Plans
Risk Assessment
Use Cases
Computer Science
Leadership
DevSecOps
Cloud Computing
Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud
Systems Engineering
Regulatory Compliance
RMF
Risk Management Framework
FedRAMP
FISMA
Analytical Skill
Problem Solving
Conflict Resolution
Collaboration
Communication
Finance
Accounting
Marketing
Legal
Customer Support
Online Training
Artificial Intelligence
Insurance
.NET

Job Details

Description

We are seeking a Deputy Chief Engineer to provide hands-on technical leadership and oversight for a large-scale IT operations and modernization program. This on-site role is critical to driving engineering quality, systems integration, and technical execution across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, application platforms, and enterprise architecture.

Ideal candidates are senior-level engineers or architects who excel in complex technical environments, lead multidisciplinary teams, and balance innovation, stability, and compliance in mission-critical federal settings.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Technical Execution
  • Serve as a senior technical authority across the program.
  • Align engineering approaches with enterprise architecture, security, and operational requirements.
  • Lead modernization initiatives: cloud adoption, DevSecOps, automation, zero-trust architecture.
  • Collaborate with government engineers on technical strategy and architecture reviews.
  • Promote best practices across networking, cloud, cybersecurity, and application services.

Cross-Functional Technical Coordination
  • Ensure solution integrity and coherence across services.
  • Support design and validation of new systems and platforms.
  • Lead or support SELC activities: requirements, design, testing, deployment.
  • Deliver technical documentation and engineering artifacts on time.

Engineering Governance & Risk Management
  • Enforce technical standards, security controls, and compliance (e.g., NIST, FISMA).
  • Identify and manage technical risks and dependencies.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and provide resolution strategies.
  • Support configuration management and change control processes.

Documentation & Technical Deliverables
  • Oversee preparation and quality of engineering documentation:
  • Architecture diagrams, integration plans, as-built documentation
  • SELC artifacts: specifications, test plans, implementation guides
  • Security documents: risk assessments, waivers, POA& Ms, interconnection agreements
  • CONOPS, use cases, SOPs, support models
  • Ensure deliverables meet technical standards and contractual expectations.


Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of technical experience in engineering leadership roles.
  • Experience supporting federal or enterprise IT programs across multiple disciplines.
  • Familiarity with IT modernization: DevSecOps, IaC, automation, cloud-native platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).

Technical Skills & Competencies
  • Expertise in enterprise systems engineering and integration.
  • Knowledge of government compliance frameworks (NIST RMF, FedRAMP, FISMA).
  • Strong analytical, architectural, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and collaborate across disciplines.
  • Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.


Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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