**Head of Engineering / Director R&D (f/m/d) at Ditzingen**In Ditzingen, you will encounter security solutions for monitoring and safeguarding borders and for border controls, protection of civil and military facilities and tactical communication. This is the right place for you if you want to work with us on practical highly mobile radars for ground and coastal monitoring or night vision goggles and multifunctional heat imaging equipment. Join the Thales expert team for radar, optronic vision systems for armoured military vehicles or for protecting the field camps of the German Federal Army. We are happy to have you on board!* Advancement of organizational maturity through continuous improvement of processes, governance structures, tools, and competencies based on design-oriented principles.* Promotion of a performance-, learning-, and innovation-driven corporate culture that fosters accountability, creativity, and sustainable value creation* Management of the introduction of modern technical methods and digital tools in alignment with strategic business priorities to ensure operational excellence and drive technological innovation in close collaboration with departments and project management* Leadership of digital transformation across the entire project lifecycle — from process automation and modern system architecture (e.g., microservices, software defined HW use, monetization, AI use to support and drive innovation, modelling, digital twins, etc) to ensuring end-to-end digital data availability* Promotion of an inclusive, learning-oriented, and forward-looking corporate culture that actively supports change and empowers employees in the long term* Application of extensive expertise and at least five years of experience in managing large-scale IT programs with budgets exceeding EUR5million, particularly in complex hardware / software development projects* Deep understanding of radar (X and KU Band) technologies.* Additional understanding of optics and kinetics, mechanics is a plus* Solid knowledge of modern system architectures, digital interfaces, and safety-critical applications supporting the sensor to effector chain* Responsibility for capacity and succession planning, identification of competency and development needs, and targeted promotion of diversity, inclusion, and continuous professional development within the team* Building strong, high-performing teams through clear role and responsibility structures and a value-oriented leadership culture* Active participation in group-wide strategic initiatives such as the Strategic Business Plan (SBP), Multi-Year Budget (MYB), and Technology & Innovation Strategic Plan (TISP)* Ensuring compliance with all group-wide ethics, quality, safety, and compliance standards, consistently aligned with the company’s Code of Conduct* Proven experience working within complex matrix organizations or internationally operating corporate structures in a dynamically growing environment* Completed technical studies in Engineering (Electronics, Radar, Optronics, Mechanics, Aeronautics/Space, Computer Science ) or a similar qualification* Leadership, developing, mentoring and supporting high-performing teams* Visionary thinking and strategic alignment* Strategy deployment to enhance competitiveness and organizational maturity in engineering* Proficiency in cost estimation, risk management, and project delivery within time and budget constraints* Resource coordination across projects, domains, and geographical regions* Mastery of the global engineering landscape and business challenges* Ability to simplify complexity and maintain a comprehensive (“helicopter”) perspective* An understanding of defence, the complexities, intensity and time scales* Ability to connect, motivate and support a high-performance team* Highly committed and results-driven professional with exceptional analytical, technical, and communication skills* Proactive self-starter, accustomed to performing under pressure, combining creativity with pragmatic, hands-on execution* Persuasive and inspiring leader, collaborative team player with strong intercultural competence.* Fully fluent in English and German; French proficiency is an asset, and readiness to acquire it is essential for future advancement
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