Director of Engineering

About Us Cobham Satcom is a leading provider of satellite communication solutions, dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and technological advancement.

Position Overview We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Engineering to lead the US Research and Development (R&D) engineering team. RF/Systems Engineering, Embedded Software, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Project Management will report to this Manager/Doer. The role will be pivotal in shaping the engineering strategy, driving product innovation, and ensuring the successful development of our antenna systems, working in tandem with the global R&D team, the ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for fostering a culture of creativity, excellence and collaboration. As the position requires on-site interaction it will be required to be in the office most days during the work week.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy • Develop and execute the engineering strategy in alignment with the company's overall business goals. • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers. • Drive innovation, foster creativity, and promote a culture of excellence within the engineering team. • Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and implement new product opportunities and technology roadmaps.

Product Development • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to deliver quality products on schedule. • Oversee the design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and production of antenna systems. • Ensure robust Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are implemented throughout the product lifecycle. • Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with customer requirements. • Technical Expertise & Innovation • Provide high-level technical oversight for advanced designs of antenna systems. Expertise in RF, Systems and Software strongly preferred.
• Drive improvements in performance, reliability, and cost through innovation, process optimization, and system design enhancements. Collaborate with customers, sales teams, and cross-functional teams to translate technical specifications into tailored solutions.

Team & Operations Management • Lead and mentor the engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • Plan, direct, and coordinate all engineering activities to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. • Build and scale a high-performing engineering team, focusing on skills development and recruitment of top talent. • Establish KPIs to measure team performance and process efficiency. • Champion standardization initiatives to improve product design, testing, and integration efficiency. • Maintain compliance with industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement • Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers during high-profile projects. • Lead design reviews and ensure that requirements are traceable, verifiable, and aligned with customer expectations.

Financial Responsibility • Develop and manage the engineering department’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with company goals and financial targets. • Monitor and control both people costs (salaries, benefits, training, and recruitment) and non-people costs (equipment, tools, and software) to maintain budget discipline. • Lead cost-reduction initiatives through product standardization, material selection, and process improvements, reducing overhead while enhancing value. • Evaluate and approve expenses related to product development and external consulting services. • Ensure timely and accurate reporting of engineering costs and variances to senior leadership, with actionable insights to address discrepancies.

Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. • Proven experience in a leadership role within an engineering environment, preferably in the satellite communications or related industry in an international company. • Strong technical background in product development. • Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, manage complex projects and lead high performing teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. • Due to our work within the defense and government vertical, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or hold a valid green card to be considered for this position. • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets. • The candidate will be part of an international management team with some travel to Europe required.

Why Join Us? At Cobham Satcom, you will be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Pay Range Pay range is $170,000-$200,000 depending on experience.

Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to. *Note that you can only upload one file so please include resume and cover letter in a single file

Cobham Satcom is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.