Associate Director, Tactical Comm Systems Eng (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2025-03-20

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Drive the future of tactical communication solutions with Mission Systems Datalinks and Tactical Communications! We are seeking an Associate Director of Communications Systems Engineering to lead a team in designing and developing cutting-edge software-defined radio products that connect military forces worldwide.

In this high-impact leadership role, you will spearhead the next generation of military radio solutions, working across multidisciplinary engineering teams to create total system solutions for both domestic and international customers. You will guide a department of talented systems engineers, ensuring the seamless integration of advanced communication technologies into critical defense platforms.

We are looking for a proven leader in systems engineering with expertise across the full development lifecycle—including project management, system architecture, requirements development, performance assessment, integration and testing, and fielded product support. If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and are eager to shape the future of tactical communications, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

To view more on Mission Systems, click here! 

What You Will Do 

• Lead and manage multiple teams of intermediate and experienced engineering professionals, collaboratively setting objectives and strategies to achieve high-impact results, utilizing expertise in systems and project engineering. 

• Define and guide departmental objectives and execution strategies to ensure successful achievement of targets. 

• Effectively communicate and influence policies, practices, and procedures within the directorate, driving alignment and impact across teams. 

• Spearhead significant improvements to processes, systems, or products, enhancing overall performance and efficiency within the work area. 

• Oversee the execution of short to medium-term (1-2 years) operational plans or projects, contributing measurable results that support broader organizational goals, with a focus on both people and technical aspects. 

• Tackle complex, undefined problems by leading investigations into root causes, leveraging extensive experience and cross-functional analysis across sites, geographies, and products to deliver solutions. 

• Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level leadership, ensuring alignment and transparency across the organization. 

• Create and implement strategic workforce and staffing plans to ensure the department meets its business objectives and maintains high-performance standards. 

• Exercise authority in critical personnel decisions, including hiring, firing, promotions, performance evaluations, and rewards, ensuring the department operates at optimal capacity. 

Qualifications You Must Have 

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 16 years of relevant experience 

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date 

• Prior experience in personnel management 

Qualifications We Prefer 

• Hands on experience in communication or RF products 
• Experience working in a product factory environment, with frequent exposure to production challenges and  resolving factory-related issues

• Experience and demonstrated competence in technical leadership (project engineer or other technical lead) for large complex programs 

• Experience in system level development, requirements definition, analysis, integration and risk mitigation for large communications systems 

• A strong preference for applicants with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering 

• Experience with Agile development methodologies 

• Experience with Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO) for developing architectures and functional analysis 

What We Offer: 

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance   

• Three