Vice President of Research and Development

AirQ; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UAV company in the UK is seeking a strategic leader to manage and innovate its R&D efforts. This role includes overseeing the development of new UAV products and technologies, ensuring alignment with market needs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a background in aerospace engineering or a related field, strong leadership skills, and experience in managing R&D projects. Join us to drive technological innovation and maintain our leadership in the UAV industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in research and development with a focus on aerospace or UAV technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing R&D projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the company’s R&D strategy.
• Oversee the research and development of new UAV products.
• Manage multiple R&D projects to meet timelines and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the company’s R&D strategy to drive innovation and maintain technological leadership in the UAV industry.
• Identify emerging technologies and trends to ensure the company stays ahead of the competition.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the R&D team.

Innovation & Development

• Oversee the research and development of new UAV products, systems, and technologies.
• Ensure that R&D projects are aligned with market needs and customer requirements.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the R&D team.

Project Management

• Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Monitor project progress and performance, making adjustments as needed to ensure successful project completion.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO and executive team on R&D activities and milestones.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration

• Work closely with other departments, including engineering, production, and business development, to ensure seamless integration of R&D activities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between different teams to support overall business objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other departments as needed.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure that all R&D activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to implement and maintain robust quality control processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and development efficiency.

Resource Management

• Manage the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to optimize R&D capabilities.
• Oversee talent acquisition and development to build a high-performing R&D team.
• Ensure that the R&D team is adequately resourced and equipped to meet business demands.

Representation & Advocacy

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and meetings to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Advocate for the company’s technological capabilities and innovations to external partners and customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
• Experience in research and development, with a focus on aerospace or UAV technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing R&D projects from concept to completion.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards for UAV development.
• Experience with intellectual property management and technology transfer is a plus.