Department: National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Evenings and weekends may be required dependent upon business needs. The job is performed in person and on-site in Wichita, KS.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Details

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is a fast-growing area within WSU, known globally for our expertise in the most critical areas of aerospace research and development. We are seeking a Director of Strategy and Product Development who will be responsible for establishing long-term strategies that accomplish NIAR key objectives and solve critical problems for the industry and the defense sector. This role plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace and defense research and development, and requires connecting technology with end customers, developing long term partnerships with industry, and identifying and providing paths for accelerated commercialization and fielding. We are looking for a bold candidate able to apply extensive knowledge of research and development, commercial/military aircraft, and defense weapon systems development towards solving advanced problems, advancing new concepts to production, and enabling rapid scale.

The Director of Strategy and Product Development will support government agencies, commercial businesses, and private foundations; evaluate a wide range of problems, create Minimum Viable Products (MVP) solutions, and advance those solutions to production; and will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key customer representatives, partners, and major suppliers, supporting potential growth areas for all existing and future NIAR Laboratories.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for leading strategic initiatives, fostering industry partnerships, and utilizing existing resources to allow NIAR to be a driving force in the commercialization of innovative technologies. Applies knowledge of research and development, commercial and/or military aircraft, and defense weapon systems development towards solving advanced problems, advancing new concepts to production, and enabling rapid scale. Builds and maintains relationships with key customer representatives, partners, and/or major suppliers to support growth areas for NIAR.

Essential Functions

Develops and implements long-term strategies to achieve key objectives and solve critical problems for industry and the defense sector.
Works with NIAR Laboratory Directors to connect technology with end-customers and develop long-term partnerships with industry and the defense sector.
Works with the University’s Office of Tech Transfer and Commercialization to provide paths for accelerated commercialization and fielding of new technologies.
Evaluates a wide range of problems and creates Minimum Viable Product (MVP) solutions, advancing them to production.
Establishes and maintains relationships and strategic partnerships with customer representatives, industry stakeholders, internal and external partners, and academic institutions.
Supports potential growth areas for existing and future NIAR Laboratories.
Leads and collaborates with NIAR Laboratory Directors to expand the portfolio of work within each laboratory.
Supervises and builds teams as needed to support strategic initiatives and product development efforts.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence among existing NIAR Laboratories. Works closely with NIAR laboratories to identify and leverage synergies, increasing the portfolio of work and driving innovation across the organization.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering.

Twenty (20) years of relevant experience in the Aerospace Industry with a strong understanding of defense programs.
Experience executing growth strategies and developing new business relationships, including capturing and leading large defense sector programs.
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, and adjacent markets.

Required License/Certifications/Training

An active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
Valid Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated capability to lead research and development teams, including strategy development and deployment.
Demonstrated capability to lead engineering and program teams through product development.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of program leadership, aerospace & defense programs, and ability to plan and lead complex efforts driving guidance and clarity.
Ability to lead suppliers within the program area.
Ability to motivate others with a shared sense of vision or purpose.
Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and understand complex technical and program interdependencies.
Ability to conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the aviation industry.
Ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Ability to oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and product development efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree.

Leadership experience in large, complex commercial aircraft programs.
Experience with technical risk identification and management approaches and processes.
Experience with aircraft certification programs for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25.

Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.
Ability to remain in a stationary position.
Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively.
Ability to travel.