Vice President, Engineering and Technology

Introduction – Why This Role Matters for Insitu

Insitu is redefining the future of unmanned aviation, delivering autonomous vehicle systems and mission solutions that support critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for global defense and security customers. As Vice President, Engineering and Technology, you will be the senior technical leader guiding the next generation of Insitu’s platforms, payloads, autonomy, and mission services—shaping how customers sense, decide, and act in the most demanding environments. This high‑impact, enterprise‑wide role combines technology strategy, engineering leadership, and operational integration, reporting directly to the CEO and leading both Engineering and Flight Operations.

Summary

The Vice President of Engineering and Technology is the company’s senior technical leader and primary technology strategist. The role owns the long‑term technology vision and roadmap for the autonomous systems portfolio, ensuring major business and investment decisions are grounded in deep technical insight and aligned with company strategy and customer mission needs. The VP sets and communicates technology direction, architects product and platform strategy, prioritizes R&D and capital investments, and maintains a coherent “system‑of‑systems” vision across platforms, payloads, autonomy, ground systems, and data/software. This position is a key member of the executive leadership team and the chief technical authority for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Vision, Strategy & Architecture: Own and evolve a multi‑year technology roadmap for unmanned and autonomous systems; lead portfolio‑level decisions (make/buy/partner, modularity vs. integration, open architectures); translate emerging trends (autonomy/AI, advanced sensors, secure networking, cloud‑enabled mission services, digital engineering) into prioritized roadmaps; chair technical governance forums to maintain integrity, reuse, and standards.
• Innovation, R&D & Productization: Drive a focused, high‑impact R&D portfolio aligned with strategy and customer needs; make go/hold/stop decisions on major technology bets; guide technology maturation from concept through flight test, production, and in‑service evolution; sponsor research and case studies on leading‑edge technologies.
• Chief Technical Authority & Governance: Serve as ultimate technical authority for design and architecture decisions, risk acceptance, and trade‑offs; establish and track technical KPIs/OKRs (defect rates, design cycle times, test coverage, reliability) and drive continuous improvement.
• Engineering & Flight Organization Leadership: Lead and integrate multidisciplinary engineering teams (systems, software, AI/autonomy, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, payloads, test); scale and structure Engineering and Flight Operations to meet strategic growth; build a strong technical ladder (Principal/Chief Engineers) for mentorship and design leadership; provide strategic oversight through the Director of Flight Operations.
• Customer, Market & Ecosystem Engagement: Engage directly with customers, end‑users, and partners to shape the technology roadmap; represent the company’s technology strategy at briefings, industry events, standards bodies, and with suppliers; provide technical input to major pursuits and strategic partnerships.
• Executive Leadership, Culture & Governance: Partner with Programs, Operations, Product Lines, Business Development, and Finance to align technology strategy with growth and profitability; mentor and inspire Engineering and Flight Operations leadership; build an inclusive, high‑performance culture; own budgets and resource plans to align investments with strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Extensive experience in aerospace, defense, and/or autonomous systems with senior technical leadership roles (e.g., Vice President, Chief Engineer, Head of Engineering). Proven ability to define and execute technology strategy and roadmaps for complex, software‑enabled hardware products. Track record of partnering with Programs/Operations and Business Development to deliver on schedule, on budget, and to specification for government or highly regulated customers. Experience managing sizable departmental budgets and contributing to annual operating plans and long‑range business planning.
• Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high‑performing technical organizations in fast‑paced, mission‑driven environments. Strong cross‑functional collaboration and influencing skills across engineering, operations, programs, finance, and business development. Excellent communication ability to translate complex technical topics into clear business terms for executives, customers, and partners. Proven capability to operate effectively in ambiguity, make sound decisions with incomplete data, and drive clarity, focus, and accountability.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to obtain or maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Prior senior technology leadership experience (VP‑level Engineering/Technology, Chief Engineer) in aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems.
• Deep familiarity with small tactical UAS, ISR mission concepts, and associated ground and data systems.
• Hands‑on or leadership experience in autonomy/AI for UAS, advanced payloads, mission systems, or secure communications networks.
• Experience with Profit & Loss responsibility or strong P&L fluency in a technology‑ and operations‑intensive business.
• Familiarity with export control environments (e.g., ITAR/EAR) and experience working with U.S. and/or allied defense and security customers.

In‑Office Requirement

This position is eligible for hybrid work, with a strong preference for on‑site presence 3+ days per week to maximize collaboration and connection to the team and product. Travel is required and will vary based on customer/partnership opportunities and event timing.

Compensation & Benefits

Insitu offers a Total Rewards package that includes competitive base pay, variable compensation opportunities, and a range of benefit programs such as health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs, and paid/unpaid time off. Specific programs and options may vary based on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.

Typical Hiring Range: $215,000 – $295,350 (salary is a general guideline and varies with experience, qualifications, and work location).