Director of Engineering

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.

About the Company

Ondas Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:ONDS) is building a new kind of intelligence company, designed for a world where speed, autonomy, and decision advantage matter more than ever. By combining multi-domain platforms, advanced sensing, secure networks, and AI-enabled analytics, Ondas helps defense, government, and critical infrastructure customers transform complex mission data into decision-ready insights when and where they matter most.

Ondas Sentinel is Ondas' U.S.-based defense division, purpose-built to deliver U.S.-made, U.S.-delivered capabilities for the Department of Defense and allied ministries of defense. The division brings together advanced autonomous systems, mission technologies, and intelligence solutions that help customers create persistent awareness, operate with confidence, and make faster decisions in complex and contested environments.

The Stratospheric ISR business unit within Ondas Sentinel is focused on manufacturing and operating high-altitude stratospheric balloon systems—one of the most unique mission areas in aerospace and defense. Few companies in the world can do this work at operational scale, meaning our teams are building new capabilities, solving first-of-their-kind challenges, and helping define what persistent awareness looks like.

About the Role

The Director of Engineering is a senior technical and people leadership role responsible for leading the engineering organization while providing technical oversight across all Stratospheric ISR programs. This individual will establish engineering priorities, guide technical strategy, and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the complete product development lifecycle—from concept development and system architecture through design, integration, verification, manufacturing, and operational deployment. The ideal candidate combines deep systems engineering expertise with strong organizational leadership and a passion for developing high-performing teams. This role partners closely with Program Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business Development, and executive leadership to deliver innovative, mission-critical aerospace systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary engineering organization, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Establish engineering priorities and technical direction across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with company objectives and customer requirements
• In partnership with the Chief Engineer, drive technology identification, assessment, application, and maturation roadmaps in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Lead systems architecture, requirements development, and design activities for new platforms, payloads, software, ground systems, and supporting technologies
• Provide technical oversight throughout the full system development lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, integration, verification, validation, production, and sustainment
• Oversee prototype development and rapid technology demonstrations to accelerate capability maturation and customer adoption
• Define engineering execution plans, monitor technical performance, manage development costs, and ensure successful program execution
• Implement project management processes and engineering metrics to monitor schedules, technical progress, risks, and resource utilization
• Serve as the senior technical interface with customers, government stakeholders, strategic partners, and suppliers, providing technical leadership and innovative solutions
• Lead the development and maintenance of system, subsystem, and component requirements while ensuring complete requirements traceability
• Direct the creation and maintenance of technical documentation to support efficient program execution, configuration management, and compliance
• Lead major technical reviews including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Functional Configuration Audits (FCA), and other engineering milestone reviews
• Coordinate system verification and validation activities to ensure products satisfy technical, operational, contractual, and regulatory requirements
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Flight Operations, and Program Management to ensure successful transition from development into production and operational deployment
• Promote engineering best practices, continuous process improvement, and disciplined systems engineering methodologies across the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience developing complex, integrated aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering management experience leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations
• Demonstrated experience with systems engineering for complex platforms, including vehicles, payloads, command and control systems, ground systems, and supporting infrastructure
• Experience leading products through the complete engineering lifecycle from concept through production and operational deployment
• Strong understanding of systems architecture, requirements management, integration, verification, validation, and configuration management
• Experience managing engineering budgets, schedules, technical risk, and resource planning
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and successfully deliver technically complex programs
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence technical direction across multiple organizations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Experience with high-altitude platforms, aerospace vehicles, unmanned systems, ISR technologies, or defense systems
• Experience with rapid prototyping and technology demonstrations
• Familiarity with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), and technology maturation processes
• Experience supporting Department of Defense or government programs
• Knowledge of aerospace quality systems, manufacturing development, and test engineering methodologies
• Demonstrated success building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing engineering organizations

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Collaborative, mission-driven workplace designed to support focus and well-being
• On-site environment connecting supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, quality, and program teams
• Inclusive culture built on five core pillars: Engage, Lean In, Create, Care, and Own

Additional Notes

The description provides an overview of the position but is not exhaustive. Responsibilities may shift or expand over time as new opportunities arise. Flexibility and curiosity are valued as part of our evolving work environment.