Director of Engineering / Counter Drones and Border Surveillance

Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC) is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense and homeland security markets. With facilities in McLean, VA and Gilbert, AZ, ATSC is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. ATSC is a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

About the role

The Director of Engineering C5ISR Technology and Programs reports to the Vice President of Engineering and will provide direct leadership within the engineering department to deliver products and services to satisfy customer and business needs. This includes traditional C5ISR systems, networking systems for advanced capabilities, C2 Command Centers, and Mobile Command Posts.

The Director will have responsibility for development of products and solutions within the C5ISR technology area, leadership of R&D activities, technical interaction with customers and industry partners, and close collaboration with business and program personnel to achieve business objectives. The role emphasizes systems solutions involving sensor integration, secure communication networks, command and control (C2), hybrid power generation systems for deployment of border/perimeter security and surveillance systems in locations ranging from urban to austere environments. Additionally, applications include Counter-UAS Detect, Track, Identify, and Defeat systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute programs in the C5ISR technology area, providing technical and project leadership while working with peers across engineering for additional skills and resources.
• Understand current and future technology trends in C5ISR and position the ATSC team to be competitive.
• Lead engagement with technical customer organizations and establish working relationships and joint projects with appropriate government organizations and/or labs.
• Work with the Executive/BD office to establish and execute R&D projects needed to advance technology and products in this area.
• Assess current and upcoming program needs for C5ISR engineering and staff programs with qualified resources, including internal or external resources as appropriate.
• Support new business development by providing staff and leadership to propose innovative solutions, developing proposal cost, schedule, and technical baselines to support winning proposals, and positioning the organization to execute successfully upon contract win.
• Responsible for workforce development, training, and management to meet program and business needs, including training and development of existing workforce, hiring additional resources, and leveraging resources within ATSC or third-party organizations.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, working well with people at all levels.
• Maintain robust relationships with business unit peers, engineering functional management, and counterparts in affiliate companies, key subcontractors, and partners.
• Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Foster an environment where employees are valued, and cost-effectiveness and efficiency are rewarded.
• Clearly explain project assignments, expectations, and priorities, and follow up to ensure they are met.
• Effectively communicate across functional and business unit teams to listen, understand, negotiate, and explain as necessary to foster collaborative and positive outcomes.
• Delegate tasks as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or relevant technical discipline required; advanced technical degree(s) preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant product development experience (military products preferred).
• PMP certification preferred.
• Experience with sensor integration and earned value management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to implement departmental strategic goals while monitoring their progress.
• Provide thorough, accurate information to answer customers’ questions and meet commitment times or performance guarantees.
• Actively identify and propose appropriate solutions and/or services, adjusting based on customer feedback.
• Understand how to direct programs and projects in close partnership with program leadership, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
• Drive quality work and understand quality systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills for making timely decisions using electronic information.
• Ability to lead and inspire department staff to accomplish successful business results by working effectively in teams while solving technical problems.
• Recognized leadership abilities and willingness to take initiative.
• Willingness to learn and improve.
• Treat managers and peers with respect.
• Ability to communicate suggestions and critical feedback to senior management.
• Advanced knowledge of the defense and military industry, with specific knowledge about the customer base for the assigned product.
• Ability to determine cost and price of products.
• Develop and generate multiple approaches to problems.
• Observe and evaluate outcomes of implemented solutions to assess the need for alternative approaches and identify lessons learned.
• Agile and open to change, embracing it to deal with unpredictable or unexpected events.
• Assume responsibility for the organization’s performance.
• Actively seek opinions and advice to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in an office setting.
• Regularly required to stand, sit, bend, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see.
• Must have the ability to lift 15-25 pounds.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Some travel may be required.