Director of Electronics Engineering

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we believe that our strengths are built on our most important resource - our people. Join EBAD and you'll be a part of a team who creates cutting edge technology that will blast us into the future. No other company can match the innovative energetic solutions that we provide. At EBAD you will actively contribute to successful missions putting men, women and satellites into space, and protecting our armed service men and women around the world. If this is the culture and work environment you are seeking, then EBAD is the place for you!

Job Description

Location: Simsbury, CT

Reports to: VP of Engineering

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Experience Level: Director (15 years)

Empower People. Drive Culture. Lead Growth.

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we’ve been innovating for nearly 200 years, delivering mission-critical technologies that protect lives and advance exploration. As we prepare to double in size over the next 3–5 years, we’re investing in our people and culture to support this transformation.

We’re seeking a dynamic Director of Electronics Engineering who will be responsible for leveraging the Ensign Bickford Operating System (EBOS) to develop the infrastructure, talent and processes needed to support a growing electronics business.

The Opportunity:

EBAD’s electronics business provides safety critical systems that are vital to our national defense and the exploration of space. This business has experienced unprecedented growth in support of our customer’s missions and is seeking an accomplished individual to fill the position of Director of Electronics Engineering. This position will be charged with leading the engineering team by developing talent, technologies, and processes that enable the business to profitably scale with this growing industry.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior electronics engineering leader to make an immediate impact by providing leadership to our electronics engineering team, driving the strategy for the electronics business, and developing a problem-solving culture in a new building, acquired and renovated to house this expanding team.

Core Competencies for Success:

• Engineering Process Excellence: Demonstrates deep expertise in applying rigorous engineering processes, tools, and standards to ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes across all phases of product development.
• Data Driven Performance Management: Establishes and tracks meaningful KPIs to measure team success. Leads root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Why) for systemic performance gaps and drives corrective actions.
• Culture & Engagement: Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive initiatives that enhance employee experience and engagement.
• Organizational Effectiveness: Support organizational design, change management, and workforce planning to enable agility and scalability.
• Strategic Business Alignment: Supports business development, sales, and customer engagement efforts. Collaborates with Market Segment Directors to align engineering capacity with evolving customer needs.
• Technical & Industry Expertise: Brings extensive experience in electronics design and development, particularly in high-mix, low-volume environments. Understands the unique demands of aerospace and defense product lifecycles.

The Candidate We Are Looking For:

• BS/MS in electronics, electrical, or computer engineering or physics
• Minimum of 15 years of project, design, or related electronics engineering experience
• Proven experience in leading complex electronic products through all stages of product development and into production
• Experience in a high mix, low volume electronics development and manufacturing environment
• Experience in managing, training, mentoring and coaching leaders
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology industries preferred
• Proven ability to lead through change and influence cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
• Passion for people, innovation, and continuous improvement

A Defining Leadership Opportunity:

• Legacy: Join a privately held, 188-year-old business that takes a long-term approach, free from the short-term pressures of quarterly-driven reporting.
• Impact: Own and execute on critical initiatives for a fast-growing company with a bold vision for the future.
• Partnership: Work directly with the BU President, senior leadership, and enterprise HR leaders in a highly influential role at the intersection of people and business strategy.
• Culture of Excellence: Help shape a culture that values people, integrity, and mission-driven excellence, driven by a Kaizen mindset and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re an Electronics leader ready to help shape the future of a respected aerospace and defense organization, we invite you to explore this opportunity and grow with us.

Compensation And Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

• Base Salary: $175k – $225k plus annual bonus
• Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition
• Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.