Director, Systems Engineering

Gogo; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 176,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Immediate vesting 401k plan

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Gogo in Denver, CO is seeking a Director, Systems Engineering to shape the future of connected aviation by leading the systems engineering strategy behind airborne connectivity solutions. You’ll partner with Product Management, Software, Hardware, Certification, Operations, and executive leadership to translate customer requirements into high-quality, certifiable systems.

Lead a high-performing team across multiple programs, define long-term vision and operating model, and drive architecture,

Qualifications

• 12+ years in systems engineering or related product development
• 7+ years of engineering leadership experience
• Deep expertise in systems engineering methodologies and verification
• Experience with DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754A, AS9100

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the vision, strategy, and operating model for the Systems Engineering
• Lead and develop the Systems Engineering team across product lines
• Drive system architecture, requirements, integration, verification, validation, and certification
• Partner with executive leadership to align priorities with objectives
• Influence product strategy through technical leadership
• Establish improving processes, tools, and best practices
• Ensure engineering excellence through full product lifecycle
• Build partnerships across teams to drive execution
• Recruit and mentor engineering leaders and ICs
• Lead organizational change to improve delivery performance

Skills

Systems engineering expertise

Engineering leadership

Stakeholder influence

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

We will be accepting applications through October 25, 2026 or until filled.

Director, Systems Engineering

Shape the future of connected aviation by leading the systems engineering strategy behind industry-leading airborne connectivity solutions.

At Gogo, we're transforming how people connect in the sky through innovative aviation connectivity technology. As we continue to expand our portfolio of products and services, we rely on strong technical leaders who can align engineering excellence with business strategy to deliver scalable, reliable, and certifiable solutions for customers worldwide.

As our Director, Systems Engineering, you'll lead the vision, strategy, and execution of the Systems Engineering organization across multiple programs and product portfolios. You'll partner closely with Product Management, Program Management, Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Certification, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure customer requirements are translated into innovative, high-quality solutions that drive business success.

If you're someone who thrives on building high-performing teams, influencing organizational strategy, and leading complex engineering initiatives from concept through delivery, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

• Define and execute the long-term vision, strategy, and operating model for the Systems Engineering organization
• Lead and develop the Systems Engineering team across multiple product lines and development programs
• Drive the successful execution of system architecture development, requirements engineering, integration, verification, validation, and certification activities
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align engineering priorities with company objectives
• Influence product strategy through technical leadership, architecture guidance, and engineering expertise
• Establish and continuously improve systems engineering processes, methodologies, tools, and best practices
• Ensure engineering excellence throughout the full product lifecycle, from market opportunity assessment to deployment and support
• Build strong partnerships across Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Product Management, Certification, and Operations teams to drive execution and business outcomes
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering leaders and individual contributors
• Lead organizational change initiatives that improve team effectiveness, scalability, and delivery performance

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• 12+ years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, hardware engineering, avionics, or related product development environments
• 7+ years of engineering leadership experience, including leading managers, technical leads, and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing engineering strategy aligned with organizational objectives
• Deep expertise in systems engineering methodologies, requirements management, integration, verification, and validation
• Strong understanding of aerospace development lifecycles and certification processes
• Experience working within regulated environments and industry standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, ARP4754A, and AS9100
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and organizational strategy

Even Better If You Have

You Don't Need To Check Every Box Below. If You Bring Experience In Some Of These Areas, We'd Especially Like To Hear From You

• Experience in telecommunications, networking, broadband, or communications technology industries
• Experience delivering complex connectivity, wireless, or networked communication systems
• Knowledge of aircraft connectivity systems and aviation communications technologies
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools
• Experience supporting commercial, business aviation, aerospace, or defense programs
• Advanced engineering degree or relevant technical certifications
• Experience driving technical strategy across multi-disciplinary engineering organizations
• Experience leading organizational change and driving continuous process improvement initiatives
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around a common vision

Why Gogo?

At Gogo, we're transforming how people connect in the sky.

Our teams build and support technology that powers connectivity aboard business aircraft around the world. That means the work you do here has a destination beyond a screen, spreadsheet, or meeting; it becomes part of an experience happening thousands of feet above the ground.

You'll work alongside people who know their craft, challenge ideas, solve difficult problems, and care about building what comes next.

Ready to help shape the future of connected aviation? Come aboard.

Equal Pay Disclosure(s)

Base Pay

176,000.00 - 220,000.00 USD Annual

Target Annual Short-Term Incentive

Bonus Plan at 20% (% of Annualized Base Pay)

Eligible For Incentive Stock Program

Yes

Benefits

Gogo offers competitive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage with plans that can fit each employee’s needs. We offer an immediate vesting 401k plan, paid time off and volunteer time off. Employees have the option to participate in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit the Careers page on our website for more information at www.gogoair.com/careers.

Gogo is an Equal Opportunity and Affiliated Action employer, working in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept of Equal Employment opportunity.

Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, medical condition, or disability.

Gogo participates in E-Verify. Right to Work Statement.