Executive Director, Engineering & Technology, Optical Communications Division

CACI • Florham Park, NJ

13d

About The Position

CACI is seeking an Executive Director, Engineering & Technology to lead its Optical Communications Division, which develops free-space optical laser communication solutions for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based applications. These systems transmit data over long distances at rates up to 100 times faster than traditional radio-frequency systems. The role supports the development of high-bandwidth communications links for commercial and U.S. government satellite networks and future deep-space exploration missions.

The Executive Director leads multidisciplinary engineering and science teams, oversees contract and internal research and development programs, provides technical oversight of program execution, and supports division growth through customer engagement and proposal development. The role also oversees manager and staff performance, professional development, engineering processes, and indirect expenses, and works with division leadership to resolve issues and allocate engineering resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline.
• At least 15 years of combined experience in technical management in optics or a related field and product development for aerospace applications.
• Proven experience leading high-tech development teams, particularly with rigorous engineering methodology and a stage-gate development lifecycle.
• Working knowledge of Department of Defense and/or Federal procurement practices.
• Experience managing a large number of employees, complex programs and portfolios, customer and employee expectations, and creative solutions to technical issues.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work collegially as a contributing member of a strong leadership team.
• Experience working in a matrix-managed organization.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers developing optical systems for communications and sensing.
• Develop research project ideas to create new technologies for customers in civil space, intelligence, and defense.
• Manage staffing for contract work and IRAD programs to ensure efforts remain on schedule and meet program requirements.
• Provide technical oversight for program execution, including significant customer milestones and readiness to transition from research and development to production.
• Contribute to division growth through customer engagements and proposal development.
• Monitor the performance of managers and key subordinates and guide their professional development.
• Plan and oversee staff professional development and technical training, and hire and retain qualified professionals as needed.
• Establish and propagate industry-best engineering processes from research and development through LRIP, ensuring process discipline across engineering tasks.
• Monitor indirect expenses, including labor and non-labor expenses, and approve non-labor indirect expenses.
• Work with the Division Vice President and Division Product Directors to resolve issues, provide engineering judgment, and allocate engineering resources.

Benefits

• Flexible time off benefit.
• Learning resources and learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive