Senior Director

Job Description:

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.

Key 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.

Why Saab?

At Saab, we work on complex, mission-critical challenges that make a real impact. We foster innovation, collaboration, and professional growth in a culture that values diverse perspectives and continuous learning. Join us to help shape the future of surveillance technology while advancing your career in a dynamic global company.

Compensation Range: $239,600 - $323,400

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive 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

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.