Senior Director, R&D – Aerospace, Defense & Government Solutions

Keysight Technologies SAles Spain SL.

Santa Rosa (CA)

On-site

USD 221,220 - 368,700

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) Plan

Flexible Time Off

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Senior Director of R&D for ADGS IST in Santa Rosa, California. This role involves developing long-term strategies and collaborating across teams to deliver high-impact products. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of R&D experience, a track record of leading diverse teams, and deep expertise in the aerospace and defense sectors. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

15+ years of R&D management or 20+ years of technical management experience.
Proven ability to lead large and diverse R&D teams.
Deep understanding of aerospace, defense, and government industries.
Strong ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
Exceptional communication skills including strategic planning and project management.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement long-term R&D strategies.
Lead, mentor, and coach R&D teams in executing solution NPIs.
Manage resource allocation and drive operational efficiency.
Monitor industry megatrends and advise on emerging opportunities.
Establish mitigation plans for cybersecurity requirements.

Skills

R&D management

Technical management

Industry expertise in aerospace and defense

Cross-functional collaboration

Exceptional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

The Senior Director of R&D for ADGS IST provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for a diverse, high-performing engineering organization responsible for developing differentiated solutions for the aerospace, defense, and government sectors. This role oversees long-term technology roadmaps, drives solution innovation, and partners closely with executive leadership to deliver high-impact products aligned with industry trends and customer needs. The ideal candidate brings deep domain expertise, exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a proven ability to inspire teams, manage complex programs, and advance organizational growth.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement long-term R&D strategies that support sustainable ADGS IST growth and deliver differentiated technologies and solutions.
Lead, mentor, and coach R&D teams and project managers in executing solution NPIs, ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality products and achievement of ROI commitments.
Manage resource allocation and drive operational efficiency across the R&D organization to maximize innovation quality and delivery performance.
Act as the ADGS IST technology officer, monitoring industry megatrends and technological advancements; advise leadership on emerging business opportunities and investment areas.
Identify risks and establish mitigation plans, particularly regarding evolving AD industry cybersecurity requirements; collaborate with corporate IT to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Partner cross-functionally, working with Keysight Labs, Product COE, Sales, and Regulatory teams to advance technology roadmaps and support overall ADGS IST growth objectives.

Qualifications

15+ years of R&D management experience or 20+ years of technical management experience within relevant engineering fields.
Proven ability to lead large and diverse R&D teams and influence executive leadership on technology roadmaps and investment priorities.
Deep understanding of the aerospace, defense, and government industries, including AD program workflows and government funding processes.
Strong ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams, including research labs, product groups, sales, and regulatory functions.
Exceptional communication skills, including written, verbal, strategic planning, negotiation, presentation, and project management.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or relevant technical discipline; Master’s or PhD preferred.

This position requires access to technology and/or technical data that is subject to U.S. export controls. You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

The level of role and salary will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

California Pay Range: MIN $221,220- MAX $368,700

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region.

Benefits