At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in electro-optic systems and shape the future of defence technology.
- Company: Join Safran Defense & Space, a leader in aerospace innovation and national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that supports national defence and enriches communities.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in electro-optics, strong leadership, and technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
ABOUT OUR MISSION: Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.
We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.
If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE: The Technical Director, Strategy and Capture is responsible for developing and coordinating the execution of product and technology roadmaps within their business area. Customer-facing aspects of this role are coordinated with the Business Development team while internal execution aspects are coordinated with the Program Management, Engineering and Operations groups. Internal efforts may also include collaboration across Safran affiliate companies, as required. The Technical Director defines key actions required to realize long-term company growth objectives, regularly communicating to stakeholders. The Technical Director identifies and coordinates the development of supporting technologies, providing discriminators and addressing identified gaps. Technology development duties include the capture of customer-funded and initiation of internally funded developments.
Specific areas of responsibility for the Technical Director include:
- Strategy related to active targeting electro-optical systems.
- Active Targeting systems include the handheld observation and targeting portfolio plus the active laser portfolio for mounted and dismounted applications.
- Support the Strategy and Capture team in development of strategy in the Visual Augmentation Systems and Platform Systems portfolios.
The Technical Director, Strategy and Capture is responsible for identifying and pursuing sources of information to define 5-year product and technology roadmaps. Roadmaps include timelines, key award events and estimated revenue potential for each product type. Roadmaps also identify key technology gaps and investments to be addressed in order to realize potential captures.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions including, but not limited to:
- Define and refine product roadmaps for particular business area.
- Engage with customers to develop near and long-term capture goals.
- Serve as a technical interface between customers and the company.
- Influence customer requirements and expectations, particularly related to technical product development.
- Serve as a mentor, leadership example and inspire technical team cohesiveness and collaboration.
- Communicate strategy and context for development efforts within Safran DSI.
- Lead initial architecture definition and technical trades as development programs are established.
- Identify technical gaps and propose solutions (R&D, partnerships, CTO support etc.).
- Identify, communicate, promote consensus and pursue novel technologies that are key to the development of future products.
- Coordinate across functions in order to define the Safran DSI Independent Research and Development (IRAD) roadmap, consolidated and tracked by the VP of Research and Technology.
- Oversee the set of IRADs most closely related to their business areas (or technical expertise) and work with project execution leads to monitor performance against technical and financial milestones.
- Act as an internal customer, key stakeholder, and advisor for IRAD efforts.
- Capture External Research and Development funding (ERAD) aligned with development roadmaps.
- Identify ERAD budgets and expectations, informing the Engineering Directors, VP of Programs and CFO.
- Ensure technical solutions for ERAD pursuits are aligned with customer needs and strategic initiatives.
- Promote early involvement of engineering staff in development of technologies and products.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
- Independently write and lead whitepapers and contribute to technical sections of proposals.
- Analyze requirements and provide technical input to the Proposal Lead/Manager.
- Ensure alignment with internal stakeholders.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of technical experience in an electro-optic development field such as lasers, optics, and/or imaging systems.
- Proven ability to design and/or model systems in their field(s) of expertise (e.g. signal processing, camera systems, vibration and thermal management, environmental hardening for MIL-STD 810 compliance, systems engineering).
- Product development experience, from concept to production.
- Demonstrated ability to organize development efforts, prioritize goals and set direction for a development team.
- Experience contributing to bid and proposal / business capture efforts.
- Ability to independently write technical whitepapers.
- Due to the need for a US Secret Clearance, must be a US Citizen.
IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:
- Experience working in a multi-national, multi customer environment.
- Experience with and demonstrated understanding of electro-optical system design and production.
- Experience in DoD-type acquisition and contracting.
- International experience a plus.
- Basic understanding of ITAR regulations and import/export regulations a plus.
- Experience with USG or DoD customer base.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Math, Physics or related discipline.
- Master’s degree in a related field is a plus.
TRAVEL: Up to 40% Travel to other Safran facilities, tradeshows and customers in the United States in addition to some international travel.
Technical Director, Strategy and Capture in Bedford employer: Safran DSI
At Safran Defense & Space, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-energy work environment where individual and team achievements are celebrated. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on mentorship and collaboration, alongside opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that support national defense and space missions. Located in Arlington, VA, we offer a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge technology solutions while giving back to the community and supporting our troops, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director, Strategy and Capture in Bedford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran DSI for a Technical Director, Strategy and Capture. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director, Strategy and Capture in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran DSI, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran DSI, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran DSI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran DSI.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran DSI. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran DSI love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
