Director, Aerospace Design

Job Description:

Saab, Inc., Aerospace Systems, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, next to the world-renowned Purdue University, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Engineering - Aerospace Design to enhance Saab’s technical capabilities and leadership in collaboration with our team in Sweden.

In this role, you will establish a team and lead the transfer of design technology for the T-7A Red Hawk aft fuselage and other aerospace products and systems to support manufacturing in the United States. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical, strategic, and relationship-building skills in a greenfield operation.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead engineering data management and revision control, design instruction and infrastructure, safety and airworthiness best practices in accordance with Saab design and stress standards, design for manufacturing support and change requests to enhance product performance, and lead the material review board (MRB) team in the United States

• Subject matter expert in design reviews, product evaluations, change requests, support customer engagements as the local subject matter expert (SME) in aerospace design, and help derive and implement Industry 4.0 technologies

• Develop an investment plan that includes staffing to establish an engineering design capability in the United States, capital planning for tools and software, and IR&D and B&P requirements working with general management, finance, marketing and sales, and the engineering teams

• Establish a strong relationship with the design authority in Sweden and work closely with business development and R&D teams on proposals and business case development, and provide budgetary input

• Ensure requirements for product safety, performance, customer specifications, and schedule are exceeded

• Represent business unit in an international environment reporting status of projects to senior levels of management

• Serve as a liaison to Purdue University developing research projects and establishing a talent pipeline for future growth

• Contribute to work culture aligned with Saab Company values – demonstrating Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support

• Support other projects and tasks as assigned

For the initial training period of 6 months to 1 year, you will have the opportunity to travel to Sweden and with guidance of our aerospace systems design team learn the tools, methods, and ways of working on the T-7A Red Hawk.

Compensation Range: $189,000-$255,100

This position is based out of West Lafayette, IN. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.  

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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:

• Bachelors – Aerospace Engineering or similar design equivalent

• Masters – Aerospace Engineering or similar business equivalent

• 15+ years of aerospace design experience in aerostructures. Systems experience is a plus 

• 10+ years of experience leading large cross functional teams

• Competence in systems design, stress analysis, material review board (MRB), and development for manned/unmanned aircraft is preferred

• Experience in DoD regulations, including FARs, DFARS, ITAR, EAR

• Experience with FAA Part 23 regulations for aircraft type certification

• Material expertise in metallics, composites, and other advanced materials preferred

• Experience with new product introduction, industrialization, technology transfers, and product readiness development

• Experience with design and simulation tools inside Siemens and Dassault software systems and digital design systems

• Experience with military DoD regulatory requirements in design, testing, stress, and validation including airworthiness specification and testing

• Strong inte