Director of Engineering & Tech – Helmet-Display Systems

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.; Aurora (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Yearly incentive plan

Medical insurance for self and family

401(k) with company match and vesting

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid wellness, vacation, and holidays

Parental leave

9/80 work schedule

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. in Aurora, IL, seeks a Director of Engineering & Technology to lead Systems, Embedded Software, Electrical, Mechanical, and Field Service teams.

You will oversee helmet-mounted displays and inertial tracking technology, reporting to the VP of Engineering in a hybrid work setting. Ideal candidate has 10+ years in aerospace engineering leadership, avionics experience, and deep familiarity with DO-254/178 and MIL-STD standards, with strong people-management and

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required and security investigation may apply.
• Engineering leadership with 10+ years in military aerospace product development.
• Hands-on engineering experience prior to leadership is preferred.
• Experience with avionics systems for fixed wing and rotorcraft is highly valued.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional managers in a matrix setup.
• Knowledge of industry standards and agile development practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and administrative leadership of a multi-disciplined engineering department.
• Establish processes, tools, and techniques aligned with company practices.
• Coordinate with leads to resolve product development issues and plan resources.
• Support strategic objectives, reviews, bids, and product requirements generation.
• Drive continuous improvement across people, processes, tools, and technology.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet specs.
• Interact with business development, contracts, program management, and manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership experience

Cross-functional teamwork

Effective communication

Agile methodology

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

AS9100D

DO-254

DO-160

DO-178B/C

MIL-STD-461

MIL-STD-810

DAL and related standards

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. in Aurora, IL, seeks a Director of Engineering & Technology to lead Systems, Embedded Software, Electrical, Mechanical, and Field Service teams.

You will oversee helmet-mounted displays and inertial tracking technology, reporting to the VP of Engineering in a hybrid work setting. Ideal candidate has 10+ years in aerospace engineering leadership, avionics experience, and deep familiarity with DO-254/178 and MIL-STD standards, with strong people-management and