Digital Engineering Transformation Lead

The Digital Engineering Center (DEC) is seeking a bold, self-motivated, and passionate engineer to join our dynamic team on a journey of innovation, professional growth, and meaningful impact. In this role, you will lead digital engineering engagement efforts aimed at strengthening relationships across the Laboratory, with current DoD sponsors, and with emerging partners. Advancing Digital Engineering technology and adoption is a top strategic priority at the Laboratory. This position offers high visibility, including engagement at the Director's Office level, and provides a unique opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of transformative prototyping technologies. You will play a key role in shaping the future of how the Laboratory develops prototypes, with potential to influence DoD acquisition strategies and contribute to the widespread integration of Digital Engineering in future programs. This role reports directly to the DEC Group Leader and includes access to strong mentorship and professional development resources.

• Champion the transformation of Lincoln prototyping by driving the adoption of Digital Engineering (DE) as a valued and trusted member of program teams
• Develop comprehensive DE plans at the start of each program to support strategic adoption of DE methods and best practices, while building interest in broader utilization
• Engage regularly with program decision-makers and influencers to foster strong relationships, provide DE guidance, and support daily program activities
• Collaborate with Functional Leads and subject matter experts to define, document, and validate DE best practices
• Create and implement tailored adoption plans for new DE functionality based on specific program needs, including incorporation of DE best practices
• Coordinate with program managers to understand program schedule and proactively plan for upcoming work and execution using DE methodologies
• Build foundational competency in DE principles and Innovator functionality to effectively guide program efforts and support informed decision-making
• Partner with lead engineers to define DE-related program roles and assess training needs
• Actively participate in program leads and other unit engineering meetings to stay connected and informed on program work and influence use of DE

• Work closely with the DE adoption team to expand and share best practices across programs and functional groups
• Maintain awareness of DE development and adoption roadmaps, and provide timely updates to program stakeholders
• Document and communicate DE benefits at the user, workflow, and program levels to demonstrate value and impact
• Proactively gather feedback from stakeholders and report on actions taken to address concerns and improve implementation
• Collaborate with DEC leadership to shape and refine DE transformation and adoption strategies
• Offer technical expertise and strategic guidance to senior leadership regarding the implementation of new DE techniques in prototyping initiatives.
• Develop a strong understanding of the broader DE landscape within the DoD, and align Laboratory strategic goals with emerging DE opportunities across DoD agencies.

• Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of experience supporting DoD or government hardware prototyping programs.
• Demonstrated ability to influence transformation across all staff levels, with the confidence to challenge the status quo and partner effectively with leadership/program teams to expand impact
• Strong understanding of prototyping environments and the need for flexibility, along with the ability to articulate the value and transformative potential of PLM and Digital Engineering
• Proven success in change management, adoption strategies, and organizational transformation-facilitating critical decisions and leading process improvement initiatives
• Hands-on experience implementing/expanding the use of DE practices; experience developing training and curriculum for PLM, CAD, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership in various roles within prototyping programs, with the ability to adapt and guide teams through complex challenges
• Strong interpersonal skills with a passion for learning emerging technologies and engaging collaboratively with staff at all levels, both within and outside the Laboratory
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving capabilities, creative mindset, and a talent for productive debate and data-driven analysis of alternatives

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills-able to distill complex information into clear, accessible formats and confidently brief large audiences, including senior internal and external leaders; active listener who values clear two-way communication
• Capable of representing the DEC and the Laboratory with professionalism and poise in both internal and external engagements
• Interest and experience in organizational change management techniques are highly desirable.
• Strong collaboration and teaming skills, especially across diverse roles, organizational levels, and functional areas, to generate insights that drive meaningful improvements
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing onsite and remote engagements effectively; Facilitate in-person discussions to strengthen relationships and deepen mutual understanding.
• Experience with Aras Innovator, SAP, other PLM systems, procurement systems, or enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools is a plus