Executive Director, Engineering & Technology, Optical Communications Division

CACI International Inc; United States; On-site; USD 193,000 - 426,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc in the Optical Communications Division seeks an Executive Director of Engineering & Technology to lead a high‑performing team delivering cutting‑edge free‑space optical communications for terrestrial, aerial, and space platforms.

You will shape research programs, oversee IRAD and production readiness, manage large, multi‑discipline groups, and work within a matrixed organization to meet DoD and federal procurement requirements while advancing national security missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline.
• 15+ years of technical management in optics or aerospace product development.
• Experience leading high-tech development teams with stage-gate development lifecycles.
• Working knowledge of DoD and/or Federal procurement practices.
• Experience managing large teams and complex programs with customer and employee expectations.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.
• Experience in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers creating optical systems for communications and sensing.
• Develop ideas for research projects to advance technologies for civil space, intelligence, and defense.
• Staff contract work and IRAD programs to meet schedule and program requirements.
• Provide technical oversight for program execution, including milestones and transition from R&D to production.
• Support growth of the division through customer engagements and proposals.

Skills

Technical leadership

Optics expertise

Aerospace development

Program management

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in technical discipline

Advanced degree in technical discipline

Job description

Job Title: Executive Director, Engineering & Technology, Optical Communications Division

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%

Type of Travel: Local

* * *

The Opportunity

CAI is seeking an Executive Director, Engineering & Technology to lead our Optical Communications Division. This division in our orgnaization generates the most advanced free-space optical laser communication solutions available today, transmitting data over long distances at rates up to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based applications. Commercial and U.S. government satellite communication networks and future deep space exploration missions (both manned and unmanned) will require high-bandwidth communications links to ground stations on Earth to support advanced scientific instruments, high-definition video, and high-resolution imagery. In this role, you will be a leader in this endeavor.

Responsibilities

• Ability to successfully lead a high performing, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers who create optical systems for communications and sensing.
• Develop ideas for research projects to develop new technologies for customers in civil space, intelligence, and defense.
• Manage the staffing of contract work and IRAD programs to ensure that all efforts remain on schedule according to their program requirements
• Provide technical oversight as needed for program execution, including but not limited to significant customer milestones and internal readiness to transition from R&D to production
• Contribute to the growth of the Division through customer engagements and proposal development
• Monitor manager performance and that of their key subordinates and guides their professional development.
• Plan and oversee the professional development and technical training of his staff, hiring and retaining qualified professionals as needed.
• Instill and propagate industry-best engineering processes from R&D through LRIP, and ensure that process discipline is always applied to all Engineering tasks
• Monitor all Indirect expenses, both labor and non-labor, and provide focused approval for all non-labor Indirect expenses
• Work closely with the Division Vice President and the Division Product Directors to resolve issues, provide Engineering judgement, and allocate Engineering resources

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in related, technical discipline
• Minimum 15 years' experience collectively in the following areas: technical management in optics or related field and product development for aerospace applications
• Proven experience leading high-tech development teams, with particular focus on rigorous engineering methodology and a stage-gate development lifecyle
• Working knowledge of DoD and/or Federal procurement practices
• Must show experience managing a large of employees, complex programs and portfolios, managing customer and employee expectations; and driving creative solutions to meet or resolve technical issues
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and the ability to work collegially as a contributing member of a strong leadership team
• Experience working in a matrixed-managed organization
• Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance

Desired

• Advanced degree in a technical discipline

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customers’ missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:
$193,400 - $425,600

CACI is anEqualOpportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any otherprotectedcharacteristic.