Director, Hardware Engineering

Saab, Inc.’s Surveillance Systems Division is seeking a Director, Hardware Engineering to lead the organization’s hardware functions in our East Syracuse, NY location.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Functional Engineering, this role will lead a team of Electrical and Mechanical engineering managers and oversee the mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. The Director, Hardware Engineering will collaborate closely with functional engineering leaders, program management, manufacturing, and division leadership teams to ensure the successful execution and delivery of quality end products within cost and schedule targets.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead, develop, and scale the Hardware Engineering organization, including Mechanical and Electrical Engineering functions, focused on meeting technical, program, and business objectives.

• Partner with senior leadership to translate business strategy into actionable hardware engineering plans and ensure consistent execution across the hardware engineering function.

• Drive organizational planning and execution including staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment, ensuring readiness to support multiple programs, customers, and development efforts.

• Ensure accountability for creation of accurate cost and schedule targets, and execution of technical effort in accordance with those targets.

• Responsible for cost estimating activities related to contract proposals, IR&D, Capital, and assigned overhead budgets.

• Recruit, retain, and assign engineering talent to meet evolving organizational and timeline needs, ensuring programs are properly staffed with the right technical capabilities.

• Manage the annual performance review process, compensation reviews, succession planning, and career development process for the hardware engineering organization.

• Build organizational capability by developing both management and technical talent through various training opportunities, job related work that promotes continuous growth, knowledge-sharing across teams, and development planning.

• Provide technical oversight, guidance, mentorship, and coaching to assigned personnel in the performance of their assigned tasks.

• Develop innovative technical solutions, assess technical risk, and identify mitigation strategies within Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines.

• Collaborate with the Functional Engineering Leadership Team to identify areas for opportunity and growth, drive continuous improvement, and implement best practices to enhance engineering performance.

• Foster a high-performing culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related engineering discipline. Master’s degree preferred.

• 18+ years of experience in a technical/engineering environment with at least 5+ years in a leadership role focused on engineering management and leading other people managers.

• Proven success building, scaling, and leading high-performing engineering function with preference for Aerospace and Defense experience.

• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle including hardware design, manufacturing support, integration, sustainment, and execution in regulated industries.

• Demonstrated experience contributing to and aligning engineering strategy and execution with broader business and programmatic goals.

• Experience shaping organizational direction through technical leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ability to lead through ambiguity, anticipate change, mitigate risk, and make sound high-impact decisions.

• Demonstrated success in developing technical talent and managing team performance.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.

• Willingness to travel up to 10% in support of program and business efforts.

• Ability to obtain a Secret level clearance.

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.

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

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

• 401(k) with employer contributions

• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

• Wellness and employee assistance resources

• Employee stock purchase opportunities

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable 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 ten 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.