Associate Director, Research & Technology

Date Posted:

2024-09-09

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HCA21: Aerostructures - Chula Vista 850 Lagoon Blvd, Chula Vista, CA, 91910 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Collins Aerospace is looking for an Associate Director, Research & Technology who will have the responsibility to lead all foundational advanced technology projects as well set the vision and define the strategic enablers for the business.

You will have technical / budget responsibility and will manage all the activities related to innovation, emerging technologies, technology progression, research projects and IP generation. In addition, you will be the key interface to the internal and external customers as it pertains to communicating the company’s vision of the future and supporting business growth through innovation.

• The position is working onsite at our Chula Vista CA facility
• Relocation assistance is available

What You Will Do

• Leads the Research and Technology (R&T) team for Aerostructures and ensure key differentiating technologies are developed to the right maturity level on time to support the business needs.
• Accountable for R&T budget (approximately $20M/year and 50+ resources) including OH and capital investment plans.
• Responsible for technology prototype labs and pilot lines and resources within.  
• Responsible for creating the Aerostructures annual technology development plan, including technology roadmaps and support RTX CEO and CTO Technology reviews, Business Development technology fairs and trade shows.
• Responsible for supporting the capture of new research programs in collaboration with Product Excellence and Business Development.
• An active member in industry consortiums through research projects, presentations and publications.
• Responsible for developing a sustainability technology plan in line with customer future requirements (e.g., noise, environment, emissions, fuel burn).
• Responsible for capturing funded research programs (e.g. HICAM, CLEEN, Horizon, FAA, NASA, etc.) aligned with strategic plan.
• Active representative for Aerostructures on the Collins Technology Steering Council and RTX wide strategic technology roadmaps with focus on advanced structures and specialized materials and processes.
• Responsible for organizing and growing education outreach with local universities and organizations as well as defining and supporting roadmaps for universities such as UCSD, SDSU, ERAU, VT, and U of M.  
• Leads development of research and IP license agreements (e.g., cross-BU, universities, suppliers, government, companies) and supports patent applications.
• Fosters innovation within engineering and R&T (3P brainstorming, creates a culture of innovation, training, identification of new technologies, license agreements etc)
• Actively attracts key talent, develops employees, prepares leadership and Technical Fellow successors, creates a learning environment, and promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Execution of deliverables internally and externally including technology consortiums using program management tools including earned value.
• Communicate and make presentations to executives and Senior Leadership.
• Travel up to 20% domestically and internationally when circumstances permit
• Perform other duties as required

What You Must Have

• Requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
• U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee or asylee status) as defined here:  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62 
• Composites as well as material qualification experience.
• Experience of working with Airworthiness Authorities to generate and obtain path to certification.
• Experience with aircraft propulsion system and aircraft structure.
• Experience in engineering technologies and advanced manufacturing including automation.
• Financial acumen to manage at minimum $20m annual budget from internal and external funding.
• Experience with EVM (Earned Value Management)

What We Prefer

• Advanced Technical Degree.
• Published work and patents in Aerospace industry.
• Project Management experience
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma

What We O