JDA Systems has been designing and manufacturing mission-critical telemetry data recovery and processing systems for customers in space, aviation, and defense for over 30 years — from antenna and tracking systems to RF receivers and recording and processing software. Our systems are deployed worldwide in flight tests, space missions, and defense programs. To lead our engineering organization into its next phase of growth, we are looking for a Chief Engineer (m/f/d) who combines technical depth in RF and communications systems with strong leadership of interdisciplinary engineering teams.
What we offer:
- A key leadership position with direct influence on the technical direction and product strategy of an established, internationally active aerospace technology company
- A permanent position with a high degree of responsibility, autonomy, and short decision paths
- Leadership of an experienced, interdisciplinary team of RF, software, and electrical engineers
- Technically challenging projects for renowned customers in space, aviation, and defense
- Long-term development opportunities in a collaborative, international environment
- Location: Near Emden, Niedersachsen or hybrid out of Hamburg area.
Your responsibilities:
- Disciplinary and technical leadership of the engineering team (RF, software, and electrical engineering), including staffing, goal setting, performance reviews, and the professional development of team members
- Overall responsibility for the system architecture of our telemetry antenna, receiver, recording, and processing systems — from RF front end through signal processing to software and data interfaces
- Defining and maintaining technical standards, design guidelines, and engineering processes (requirements management, design reviews, configuration management, verification & validation)
- Technical support throughout the bid process: consulting customers, analyzing tenders and specifications, and translating customer requirements into technically sound and economically viable system solutions
- Preparing technical concepts, solution architectures, compliance matrices, and effort and cost estimates for proposals in close cooperation with sales and project management
- Serving as senior technical point of contact for customers, partners, and suppliers, including participation in design reviews, technical meetings, and acceptance tests (FAT/SAT)
- Planning and prioritizing engineering resources across development and customer projects, and ensuring quality, schedule, and budget targets are met
- Driving the technology and product roadmap together with management, including evaluation of new technologies, frequency bands, and standards (e.g. IRIG 106, CCSDS)
- Identifying technical risks early and leading root-cause analysis and resolution of complex system issues
- Ensuring compliance with relevant industry, quality, and regulatory requirements (e.g. ISO 9001, EN 9100, export control)
Your profile:
- Completed degree (Master's or Diploma; PhD a plus) in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, RF Engineering, or a comparable field
- Many years of professional experience in system development, ideally in the satellite, RF, or communications engineering sector, preferably within aerospace or defense
- Several years of proven experience leading interdisciplinary engineering teams, both technically and in a line-management capacity
- Sound knowledge of RF systems and signal chains (antennas, receivers, modulation and demodulation, link budgets), combined with a solid understanding of embedded/software and electronics development
- Experience in system architecture and systems engineering, including requirements engineering and V-model or comparable development processes
- Experience supporting bids and tenders, and the ability to translate customer requirements into technical solutions and convincing proposals
- Customer-oriented, confident appearance with strong communication and negotiation skills at all levels, from engineers to management
- Structured, solution-oriented way of working with an entrepreneurial mindset
- Fluent German and English, spoken and written
- Willingness to travel occasionally, including internationally
- Willingness to undergo a security clearance check (depending on customer project)
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