MANAGER-R&D - Defense Aerospace Programs - Oklahoma City, OK
Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:
The Strategic Aerospace Department within the Defense & Intelligence Solutions Division delivers cutting-edge engineering services to enhance the warfighter's capabilities across bomber, tanker, and heavy aircraft platforms. We specialize in world-class research, design, and support, providing innovative solutions to modern challenges and legacy systems for the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, Department of Defense, allied nations, and the U.S. Government, ensuring mission readiness and technological superiority.
Objectives of this Role:

• Oversee engineering management on complex avionics programs. Provide leadership in planning, execution, and technical integration to ensure cutting-edge solutions meet program requirements for aerospace and defense applications.
• Develop and execute a forward-thinking technology roadmap, driving basic and applied research to advance embedded avionics capabilities and position the section for future growth in alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead marketing, business development, and proposal creation efforts to secure new opportunities.
• Develop innovative technical solutions and strategies that achieve section financial objectives and expand the embedded avionics portfolio.
• Oversee staff tasking and progress tracking, ensuring projects meet cost, technical, and schedule objectives.
• Provide clear direction and accountability to maintain efficiency and alignment with program milestones and deliverables.
• Drive technical excellence by leading the development and integration of advanced avionics systems.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, deliver superior reliability, and align with organizational goals for mission-critical applications.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Manage resource allocation across programs, lead performance evaluations and hiring efforts, address personnel matters, and oversee office operations. Ensure an efficient, motivated team and provide strategic direction to maintain productivity and program success.
• Oversee IRAD activities by prioritizing research initiatives, allocating resources, and driving innovation within the section.
• Ensure projects align with strategic goals, advancing capabilities in embedded avionics and fostering future growth opportunities.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, lead competitive proposal efforts, develop cost strategies, and drive marketing initiatives.
• Build client relationships to highlight the section's expertise and secure new programs aligned with aerospace and defense objectives.
• Plan, allocate, and forecast staff assignments to meet program demands. Ensure optimal resource utilization, align workloads with project needs, and maintain flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities while meeting technical and schedule objectives.
• Collaborate with the Department Director to align section performance with strategic objectives.
• Monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure the section meets technical, financial, and growth targets to support departmental and organizational success.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering or other degree fields may be considered with highly relevant Avionics Project Management engineering experience.
• 12+ years: Experience as a technical manager, blending deep expertise with proven leadership. Skilled in building and mentoring teams, driving innovation, and overseeing successful execution of avionics/nuclear programs for defense and aerospace applications.
• 9+ years: Expert in leading proposals, cost estimation, and resource planning for aerospace/avionics programs for DoD. Skilled in managing customer relationships, presenting solutions, and aligning technical capabilities with business objectives to secure and execute strategic programs.
• 9+ years: Demonstrated success in business development and strategic capture management for defense programs, with specialized expertise in the nuclear and bomber sectors.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:
Work assignment is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
Job Locations: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
For more information about this division, visit the Defense & Intelligence Solutions home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.
For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

---