Director of Engineering, R&D
at Red Six Aerospace
Santa Monica, CA
Company Overview
Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced director to lead our R&D team based out of the Santa Monica office. This pivotal role will be responsible for driving the strategic direction, innovation, and execution of our R&D projects under the guidance of the CTO. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering and defense, with a proven track record of leading successful R&D initiatives in a fast-paced, startup environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Technology Development: Responsible for guiding the development of new capabilities and technologies, particularly in the areas of advanced sensors, algorithms, and new platform prototyping. This includes overseeing the creation and refinement of technologies from early concept through functional prototypes and transition to the Product Engineering organization.Team Management: Manage and mentor a cross-functional team of HW and SW engineers and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes rapid iteration and innovation.
This involves coordinating between different engineering disciplines and ensuring that the team has the resources and support needed to succeed.Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize data from a combination of customer/flight data, analysis and testing to drive technical direction and project execution. Stakeholder Communication: Play a crucial role in communicating R&D progress and capabilities to internal and external stakeholders, including military and defense industry customers, investors, and partners.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Implement the R&D roadmap in alignment with the company’s vision and goals.
- Oversee the design, development, and testing of new technologies and products.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, graphic design, and business development, to ensure seamless integration of R&D efforts.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to keep the company at the cutting edge.
- Drive company IP strategy
- Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement within the R&D team.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and other professional events.
Qualifications:
- Masters degree in relevant fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, optics, physics, or a related discipline is essential.
- Several years of experience in leading R&D teams, ideally in high-tech industries such as defense, aerospace, or robotics.
- Proven track record in guiding new technologies from ideation through system prototypes
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget constraints.
- Understanding of hardware engineering principles, as well as software development related to AI, optics, machine learning, and autonomous systems.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with internal teams, external stakeholders, and high-level decision-makers.
- Knowledge of defense technology and the specific requirements and regulations of military and defense customers.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
- Preferred knowledge of Aerospace, AI, and AR technologies.
- Skills in engaging with external stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors, to communicate the value and capabilities of the company's technologies.
- Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. This requires U.S. Citizenship
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: $200,000 to $250,000, depending on experience
- Benefits:
- Healthcare, Dental and Vision (100% coverage)
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Note
Red 6 reserves the right to change its current benefits program at any time, in a manner that is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations.This job description is not a contract and confers no contractual rights, privileges, or benefits on any applicant or potential applicant. Red 6 has the right to change any and all terms of this job description, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits. Nothing in this job description constitutes an offer or guarantee of employment. Red Six Aerospace, Inc.
is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.California: https://www.caljobs.ca.gov/vosnet/Default.aspxColorado: https://www.connectingcolorado.com/Florida: https://www.employflorida.com/vosnet/Default.aspxUnder the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Red 6 Aerospace, Inc. operating company you are applying to work for (hereinafter, “we”, “our”, or “us”) may collect personal information and use it for certain business purposes as described below in this Job Applicant and Employee Privacy Notice.
We are required to disclose the following information to California “consumers” regarding our collection of their personal information. Under the CCPA, “consumers” means California residents, including job applicants, employees, or contractors of a business.
