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Saab Global
Installation in HQ

Director of Functional Engineering

Remote MI,
United States of America
Closing date: 31 October 2025

Job Description:

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Functional Engineering to lead our multi-disciplinary engineering organization, including mechanical, electrical, systems, integration, and test engineering. This leadership role is responsible for organizational planning, resource alignment, and execution of engineering efforts in support of business and program objectives. The Director will work in close partnership with the Director of Technology to ensure alignment between current program execution and the long-term engineering roadmap. This position will be based at our planned location in the Detroit, Michigan area and is eligible for Saab Inc.’s relocation package.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the engineering organization, leading a multi-disciplinary team across mechanical, electrical, systems, integration, and test disciplines

  • Drive organizational planning and execution including staffing, budgeting, and resource alignment to meet current and future program needs

  • Partner with senior leadership to define and implement strategic engineering and programmatic objectives aligned with business goals

  • Translate segment-level business strategy into actionable engineering plans and ensure consistent execution across all engineering functions

  • Foster a high-performing culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration across all engineering teams

  • Ensure functional alignment and readiness to support multiple programs, customers, and product development efforts

  • Champion the development of engineering talent, organizational capability, and knowledge-sharing across disciplines

  • Provide input and partnership to the Director of Technology/Chief Engineering office in the development and continuous improvement of engineering processes, methods, and best practices to enhance functional performance

Compensation Range: $184,400-248,900

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred

  • Aerospace and defense experience strongly preferred, with

  • 15+ years of engineering experience DoD weapon system development, production and fielding, including systems, software, mechanical, or electrical experience, including 5+ years in engineering leadership roles managing multi-disciplinary teams

  • Proven ability to lead complex engineering functions in a matrixed or dynamic environment

  • Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, systems engineering principles, and functional execution in regulated industries

  • Demonstrated experience aligning engineering strategy and execution with broader business and programmatic goals

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills with strong competency in communicating to executive level stakeholders

  • Must be willing to travel up to 25%

  • Must have or be capable of obtaining a Secret level clearance

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, business-casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits:

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and dependents

  • Paid time off including: minimum of 3 weeks vacation, 5 floating holidays, 8 designated holidays, parental leave, personal illness, bereavement, jury duty, long-term and short-term disability

  • 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match

  • Tuition assistance

  • Student loan assistance

  • Wellness account, Care.com subscription and employee assistance programs

  • Employee stock purchase program with employer match

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.