Surveillance Systems Engineering Leader

Saab • Town of De Witt, NY

148d • $239,600 - $323,400

About The Position

Saab, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Leader to provide vision, leadership, and technical direction for our Surveillance Systems division. Operating in a matrixed environment and reporting to the Vice President & General Manager, this role is responsible for driving technical execution, ensuring contractual compliance, and shaping long-term strategy while developing and leading a high-performing engineering organization. This is a senior leadership role requiring a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on technical oversight, and team development expertise. This position is located in our Syracuse, NY office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience.
• 10+ years in a high-technology or development environment (Aerospace & Defense preferred).
• Proven success managing large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong experience in business capture activities, including proposal development, costing, and customer engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong internal and external partnerships.
• Track record of developing and leading high-performing teams.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering or related technical field.
• Deep knowledge of surveillance systems or related defense/commercial technologies.
• Strong financial and business acumen with experience supporting multi-year strategy development.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Drive Technical Execution: Lead and staff all engineering activities across programs, products, R&D, and sustaining efforts.
• Forecast resource demand and develop staffing plans to meet current and future business needs.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and support to engineering teams.
• Implement robust engineering processes, including gated reviews and lessons-learned systems.
• Identify technical risks and opportunities, ensuring timely action plans.
• Execute Contractual Technical Obligations: Ensure specification and design compliance for all customer contracts.
• Manage engineering deliverables, including baselines, project deliverables, R&D, and capital expenditures.
• Support business development activities through proposal writing, cost estimates, and technical input.
• Collaborate with engineering leaders to align resources and ensure commitments are met.
• Provide Strategic Input: Participate in business and segment operating reviews, contributing technical and resource perspectives.
• Support financial planning, cost management, and long-term business strategy development.
• Partner with customers and stakeholders to identify technology trends and future opportunities.
• Develop resource plans aligned with long-term growth and capability needs.
• Build and Lead the Engineering Team: Attract, retain, and develop top engineering talent.
• Mentor, coach, and train engineering leaders and staff.
• Execute talent management and succession planning processes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
• Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability.
• 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Student loan assistance.
• Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs.
• Employee stock purchase program with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees