Chief engineer Jobs in Hampton, VA

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Threat Tec, LLC, a rapidly growing Veteran-Owned Business, is the leader of Operational Environment (OE) replication and Threat Emulation/Wargaming solutions. Threat Tec brings innovative thinking and extensive experience to complex challenges for public and private sector customers. We work alongside our nation's defenders, developing solutions that drive success and protect our future. Join a team that is embodied by an unwavering commitment to professionalism, honesty, and innovation.

Threat Tec is seeking a mission-driven, operations-focused Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the day-to-day execution of a fast-scaling defense contractor. This is a pivotal integrator role, enabling the CEO to fully function as Visionary while the COO leads the internal execution of our operating system, drives performance, enforces accountability, and champions culture and values. This role is designed for a battle-tested operator with strong Department of Defense experience, a builder's mindset, and the ability to drive excellence across complex service and product lines. This role is designed to grow. For the leader who proves they can run the company, the seat is built to expand into the presidency. We are deliberate in sequencing: the mandate comes first, the title follows the results.

What you will bring:

• Proven Leadership: You have successfully led high-performing teams through significant scaling phases. You are a decisive leader with sound judgment, operational rigor, and the ability to inspire.
• Defense Domain Expertise: Deep familiarity with DoD contracting, program delivery, and client expectations is essential. You understand how to operate inside federal systems and deliver excellence on time and under budget.
• Operational Discipline: You run a tight ship. From execution and process optimization to KPI tracking and P&L management you take complexity and make it predictable.
• Technology Fluency: Comfortable navigating technical teams, tools, and platforms. You don't need to code but you understand how systems work and can ask the right questions
• People-centric Management: Strong EQ, team builder, culture shaper. You hold people accountable without losing heart. You model integrity, trust, and execution.
• Alignment to Values: You embody Threat Tec's core values:
• The Customer is our First Priority
• Innovation Drives Our Future
• The Best Team Wins
• We Play to Win

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Day-to-Day Operations: Own internal execution, drive clarity, remove bottlenecks, and ensure performance across all divisions (Ops, Security, IT, Engineering).
• Own the EOS Model: Act as the primary Integrator. Translate Visionary ideas into concrete execution. Run weekly L10s, manage Rocks, and ensure follow-through across leadership.
• Drive Program Execution & Customer Satisfaction: Ensure programs are delivered flawlessly. Build scalable systems that support execution under pressure.
• Oversee KPIs & Business Rhythm: Maintain a data-driven operating cadence. Oversee dashboards, metrics, and performance reviews.
• Scale Leadership & Talent: Mentor key leaders. Ensure succession planning. Protect culture during rapid hiring and growth.
• Ensure Operational Readiness: Maintain resilience through COOP, ISO, CMMI, and ITAR/DFARS compliance. Protect mission continuity.
• Bridge Strategy & Execution: Work closely with the CEO, CRO and BD to turn vision into action "without distraction." Owns recompetes and on-contract growth, and provides the capacity sign-off required at every bid decision.

Ideal Profile:

• 15+ years in operations, including senior executive roles in defense, federal services, or GovCon tech.
• Deep experience with DoD, ARMY Futures Command, TRADOC, SOF, or similar federal customers.
• Top Secret security clearance preferred (must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance)
• Familiar with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and CMMI frameworks
• Strong grounding in EOS or a similar operational framework.
• Calm under Load. Builds Systems that make execution repeatable. Develops people rather than dependencies. Holds the line on standards.
• We prefer an on-site presence at our Hampton VA Headquarters location. However, a hybrid format is at a minimum 3 days in office per week.

Compensation:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Executive Performance Bonus 25%-35% (Based on hitting performance targets)
• Company Equity Participation (for long-term performance)
• Full Benefits Package
• On-site leadership role with impact

$200,000 - $275,000 a year Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors including experience, education, certifications, security clearance requirements, internal equity, and customer or contract requirements.

Threat Tec, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting Talent@threattec.us or calling 757-240-4305.