MANAGER-R&D - Defense Aerospace Programs - Oklahoma City, OK
Southwest Research Institute
Oklahoma City, OK
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.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO