Senior Director SlingWorks Advanced Concepts
About The Position
The Senior Director, SlingWorks Advanced Concepts is a strategic and technical leadership role responsible for identifying, evaluating, and shaping current and emerging technologies that will influence the future of the aerospace and defense market. Reporting directly to the CTO, this executive will assess evolving U.S. defense priorities, aerospace and defense modernization initiatives, and competitive technology trends to develop advanced concepts for products and weapon system architectures that can be presented to customers for feedback and to inform technical roadmaps, and long-range innovation strategy. This leader will bridge market intelligence, advanced engineering, and business strategy to ensure the company remains positioned for growth in next-generation defense and aerospace programs. The ideal candidate combines deep engineering expertise with strong executive leadership, systems thinking, and a thorough understanding of U.S. government acquisition priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline required.
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or adjacent high-technology industries.
- 10+ years leading engineering, advanced technology, or R&D organizations.
- Demonstrated success influencing corporate strategy through technology leadership.
- Experience supporting or leading technology development for U.S. defense or aerospace programs.
- Proven track record managing multimillion-dollar R&D portfolios and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Experience working directly with executive leadership, government customers, and strategic partners.
- U.S. aerospace and defense market structure, procurement processes, and acquisition lifecycle.
- Current and emerging technologies impacting defense modernization.
- Digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and systems integration practices.
- Technology readiness levels (TRLs), prototype development, and transition planning.
- Government contracting environment, including FAR/DFARS familiarity.
- Competitive landscape across prime contractors, mid-tier defense firms, and emerging technology providers.
- Regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to defense programs.
- Budget planning, capital allocation, and R&D governance processes.
- Executive-level leadership and strategic decision-making capabilities.
- Deep technical expertise in complex aerospace and defense systems.
- Strong systems engineering and architecture development background.
- Ability to connect market needs with technology solutions and business outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills for technical and executive audiences.
- Strong analytical skills with experience evaluating technology investments and tradeoffs.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional organizations in matrixed environments.
- High degree of business acumen, influence, and organizational leadership.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) strongly preferred.
- Active security clearance preferred.
- Visionary technology leader with strong execution discipline.
- Trusted advisor to executive leadership.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and shaping future markets.
- Mission-driven mindset with commitment to national security and innovation excellence.
Responsibilities
- Identify disruptive and enabling technologies relevant to aerospace and defense markets, including autonomous systems, multi-domain system-of-system capabilities, Counter UAS systems, electronic warfare, edge processing at the soldier level, etc.
- Advise the CTO and executive leadership team on technology trends, investment priorities, and competitive positioning.
- Assess future program opportunities and align R&D investments to anticipated customer requirements.
- Develop lower TRL system concepts and provide high level system requirements, Concepts of Operation, development timelines and funding profiles.
- Represent the company to high level DoW and other government officials to gain support for our advanced concepts.
- Seek out industry partners for unique capabilities and help develop initial teaming relationships to advance these concepts.
- Support strategic capture efforts by shaping technical solutions for key pursuits.
- Partner with engineering, product management, business development, operations, and program leadership teams.
- Represent the company in technical forums, industry associations, and strategic customer engagements.
Benefits
- Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
- Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
- Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
- Flexible Vacation & PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Employee Referral Program
- Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
- Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
