Assistant Director, R&D Integration

Nanyang Technological University; Singapore; On-site; SGD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Singapore seeks an Assistant Director for R&D Integration to coordinate simulation activities and manage R&D projects in air traffic management. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in high-technology environments and advanced proficiency in air traffic simulator software. Responsibilities include overseeing upgrades, managing projects, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the future of air traffic management through innovation and research.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience managing high-technology environments.
• Minimum of 3 years in overseeing an Air Traffic Simulation facility.
• Familiarity with ISO standards related to occupational health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate simulation activities in R&D projects.
• Lead Human-in-the-Loop simulations for ATM concepts.
• Oversee maintenance checks of laboratory equipment.
• Develop safety guidelines in line with regulations.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in air traffic simulator software

Strong knowledge in multi-display and video projection systems

Expertise in project management

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Master in Engineering or Information Technology

Tools

AeroBahn

NARSIM

AIRTOP

Job description

Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI) is Singapore’s first institute dedicated to research and development (R&D) in Air Traffic Management (ATM), having been established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on 5 February 2013. As a key element of the initiative to build Singapore as a Centre of Excellence for ATM, ATMRI envisions to be a renowned research institute, finding innovative solutions, and catalysing an ATM transformation in the region.

The R&D Integration Assistant Director will be responsible for coordinating simulation activities and managing the integration of R&D projects across various environments, ensuring alignment with the goals of the funding agency. Key responsibilities include developing integration roadmaps, assessing new technologies, and establishing integration protocols for innovative systems. The role involves active collaboration with research teams to incorporate emerging technologies, staying abreast of industry trends, and driving forward-looking integration strategies.

Responsibilities:

Simulation Facilities Upgrade:

• Lead the design, implementation, and execution of Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) simulations to evaluate ATM concepts, controller procedures, human performance, and decision-support systems; collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., CAAS, DLR, EUROCONTROL) to co-develop realistic and operationally aligned scenarios.

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to allocated resources.

• Coordinate effectively with internal teams (technical, finance, procurement) and external vendors to align project milestones and ensure smooth execution.

• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard timelines, quality, and deliverables.

• Ensure all upgrade activities comply with safety, regulatory, and institutional standards.

• Facilitate the integration of new systems into operational workflows, ensuring minimal disruption and enhanced functionality post-upgrade.

R&D Integration

• Coordinate simulation activities and oversee the integration of R&D projects within simulation environments, ensuring alignment with funding agency goals.

• Develop and maintain integration roadmaps to provide clear guidance and alignment among stakeholders.

• Identify, assess, and integrate new technologies and innovations that align with R&D goals.

• Establish integration protocols for emerging technologies within existing systems and collaborate with research teams on implementation.

• Stay informed on industry trends and drive strategies for forward-looking technology integration.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, acting as a liaison between R&D teams and the funding agency.

• Organize workshops and training sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.

• Collect and address feedback from the funding agency on integration processes to enhance project outcomes.

• Communicate effectively to align project objectives with stakeholder expectations, fostering a collaborative environment for R&D success

Laboratory Operations

• Oversee and perform periodic maintenance checks of the Institute’s hardware and software to ensure that they are in good working condition. These include in-house servers (on Linux operating system), radar simulator and tower simulator.

• Assist with the daily laboratory activities for teaching and research activities

• Provide on-site support to resolve related problems in the hardware and software

• Provide logistical support for events and lab visits, and conduct simulation demonstrations for visitors

• Coach researchers on the operation of equipment and in carrying out experiments in a safe and effective way

• Provide support and guidance in the applications of the software for research projects

• Liaise and manage vendors and contractors for the technical needs of the laboratories

Safety and Security

• Develop and implement effective safety guidelines and standard operating procedures

• Perform routine checks and inspection to ensure compliance to safety regulations

• Provide expert advice to all staff and students on all workplace safety and health issues

• Review Risk Assessment (RA) and Safe Work Procedures (SWP) in line with the ISO45001:2018 requirements and ensure that RA and SWP are executed

• Administer laboratory access/security and ensure compliance with OHSE rules

Procurement

• Ensure that purchases are made in compliance with the procurement policies and procedures.

• Ensure that purchases are made in accordance to the funding agency requirements.

• Coordinate, advise and assist internal and external stakeholders for purchasing and other related matters to meet deadlines.

• Act as focal point of contact for engagement between the lab and NSS Procurement.

• Respond to procurement enquiries from internal customers and external vendors in a timely manner.

• Track and manage the overall asset list for the lab, ensuring that the information is up to date and assets are properly tagged.

• Assist in ad-hoc procurement and finance tasks as required.

Requirements

• Master in Engineering or Information Technology related discipline

• Over 10 years of hands-on experience in managing complex, high-technology environments, including a minimum of 3 years overseeing an Air Traffic Simulation facility or laboratory.

• Advanced proficiency in air traffic simulator software such as AeroBahn, NARSIM, and AIRTOP; knowledge of BlueSky is an added advantage.

• Strong knowledge and experience in managing multi-display and video projection systems in simulation environments.

• Familiarity with ISO standards related to occupational health and safety (e.g., ISO 45001), business continuity (ISO 22301), and information security (ISO 27001).

• Practical understanding of facility planning, systems integration, and infrastructure modernization, particularly in support of simulation lab revamp initiatives.

• Proven leadership in planning and executing simulation facility revamp projects, including scope definition, procurement, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination.

• Expertise in project management, including budget development, tender evaluation, and vendor management across the full facility upgrade lifecycle.

• Familiarity with government or institutional procurement frameworks, ensuring transparent and policy-compliant acquisitions.

• Demonstrated ability to engage and manage stakeholders and OEM suppliers for mission-critical systems and services.

• Extensive experience integrating R&D outputs into simulation operations, enhancing functionality and innovation in high-fidelity environments.

• Strong leadership and supervisory capabilities for managing technical teams and cross-departmental collaboration during complex upgrades.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing technical, operational, and infrastructure-related challenges.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills

• Self-motivated, proactive, and team-oriented, with a strong sense of initiative and ownership.

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.