Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation – Dayton, OH

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for cutting-edge technologies in aviation? We are seeking a Director of Autonomous Systems to oversee and advance the development of autonomous systems in the aviation industry. Based in Dayton, OH, this role offers the chance to work at the forefront of aviation technology, leading a team of experts to drive innovation, safety, and efficiency. If you’re ready to lead the charge in shaping the future of autonomous flight, this is the opportunity for you.

Shape the Future of Aviation Technology

Join a forward-thinking organization in Dayton, OH, that is at the forefront of aviation autonomy. As the Director of Autonomous Systems, you will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of autonomous system technologies. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in autonomous systems, aviation regulations, and team leadership, along with the vision to steer the company toward new horizons in aviation innovation. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of aviation while collaborating with a team dedicated to excellence and progress.

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation

Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a visionary strategy for the integration of autonomous systems in aviation. Lead the creation of innovative roadmaps for product development, regulatory compliance, and market adoption. Ensure the company stays ahead of industry trends and technological advancements while positioning itself as a leader in autonomous aviation systems.

Innovation & Technology Development: Oversee the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge autonomous systems for aviation. Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to push the boundaries of current technologies, ensuring advancements in safety, efficiency, and operational effectiveness for autonomous aircraft.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Work closely with regulatory bodies, including the FAA, to ensure all autonomous systems meet safety, operational, and legal requirements. Manage risk assessments, testing protocols, and certification processes to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous aviation technologies.

Team Leadership & Culture Development: Lead a diverse and highly skilled team of engineers, researchers, and technologists. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Attract and mentor top talent, ensuring that the team remains aligned with the company’s mission and values while driving the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate strong relationships with industry stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and corporate partners. Lead collaboration efforts for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and cross-industry partnerships that further the company’s position in autonomous aviation.

Operational Excellence: Oversee the operational aspects of autonomous systems integration, ensuring the seamless transition of prototypes into scalable, real-world applications. Optimize processes for development, testing, deployment, and maintenance to meet high standards of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Product & Market Strategy: Define and execute go-to-market strategies for autonomous aviation systems. Analyze industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer demands to refine product offerings and ensure successful market entry. Drive the adoption of autonomous systems by airlines, manufacturers, and other aviation stakeholders.

Financial Management & Budget Oversight: Lead the financial planning and budgeting for autonomous systems initiatives. Monitor spending, track ROI, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Work with the finance team to allocate resources effectively and achieve financial goals.

Risk Management & Safety Protocols: Establish and maintain rigorous safety and risk management protocols for all autonomous systems. Identify potential risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that safety is always prioritized in both development and real-world application.

Customer Insights & User Experience: Leverage market research and customer feedback to enhance the user experience of autonomous aviation systems. Ensure that the needs and concerns of airlines, operators, and passengers are addressed in the development of autonomous technologies.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation, the client is seeking an innovative and visionary leader with a proven ability to drive technological advancements in the aviation industry. You should be a forward-thinking executive who thrives in fast-paced, high-tech environments and is capable of leading cutting-edge autonomous systems initiatives while ensuring safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Proven Leadership in Autonomous Systems and Aviation Technology

The client is looking for a seasoned leader with significant experience in autonomous systems, aviation technology, or related fields. You should have a strong track record of driving the development and implementation of complex technological systems, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and executing projects that shape the future of aviation. Previous experience in working with regulatory bodies such as the FAA, as well as a deep understanding of aviation-specific challenges, is highly valued.

Strategic Vision for Autonomous Aviation

As Director, you must have a clear, long-term strategic vision for the development and deployment of autonomous systems in aviation. The ideal candidate will be able to identify emerging trends, market opportunities, and technological innovations that will shape the future of flight. You should be skilled in crafting strategies that ensure the safe and successful introduction of autonomous systems into mainstream aviation, while maintaining a focus on safety, efficiency, and scalability.

Strong Technical and Financial Acumen

The client values a candidate who possesses both a deep understanding of the technical aspects of autonomous systems and the ability to manage financial resources effectively. You should be able to make data-driven decisions, manage budgets, and lead financial planning for autonomous projects. Your experience in balancing the technical and financial dimensions of innovation will be key to ensuring the successful delivery of aviation technologies.

Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing Teams

Leadership is central to this role, and the client seeks a Director who can inspire, manage, and mentor a highly skilled team of engineers, developers, and aviation professionals. You should foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement while maintaining high performance across all teams. The ability to attract and retain top talent is essential for achieving success in this fast-evolving industry.

Customer-Centric Mindset in Aviation Innovation

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of customer needs, including airlines, passengers, and aviation operators. You should have experience in translating customer insights into actionable innovations and ensuring that autonomous systems meet real-world operational requirements.

Strong Stakeholder and Regulatory Engagement

The client seeks a leader who can build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, aviation regulators, research institutions, and industry partners. Your ability to communicate effectively with investors, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners will be critical in securing buy-in and advancing the development of autonomous systems in aviation.

Commitment to Safety, Compliance, and Operational Excellence

The client places a strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. You should have a deep understanding of the legal, ethical, and operational standards required in the aviation industry, especially when developing and deploying autonomous technologies.

FAQs About the Role – Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation

What are the key responsibilities of the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation?

As the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation, you will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of autonomous technologies in aviation. This includes overseeing the design, integration, and deployment of autonomous systems, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and driving innovation in aviation technology. You will also lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder relationships, and contribute to strategic decisions related to market adoption and technological advancements.

What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in autonomous systems, aviation technology, or related fields. Proven experience in leading technology projects, particularly in highly regulated industries like aviation, is essential. A strong background in engineering, product development, or system integration is required. A master’s degree or higher in aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related field is preferred, though not mandatory. Experience working with regulatory bodies such as the FAA is highly valuable.

What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a visionary leader who excels in strategic thinking, innovation, and technical expertise. The ability to lead diverse teams, inspire collaboration, and effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders is crucial. You should be adaptable, solution-oriented, and have a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence in the development and deployment of autonomous systems.

What challenges can I expect in this role?

As the Director of Autonomous Systems, you will face challenges such as navigating the complexities of aviation regulations, managing the integration of new technologies into existing aviation systems, and ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous systems. You will also need to overcome market adoption hurdles, address consumer and industry concerns about autonomous flight, and maintain a balance between innovation and compliance.

What is the expected impact of the Director of Autonomous Systems on the company’s growth?

The Director of Autonomous Systems is expected to drive the company’s leadership in the autonomous aviation sector by successfully developing and deploying innovative technologies. Your efforts will directly contribute to advancing the company’s technological capabilities, enhancing safety and operational efficiency, and positioning the company as a key player in the autonomous aviation industry.

What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters a collaborative, innovative, and technology-driven work environment. They value leaders who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation technology. You will be part of a forward-thinking team focused on pioneering autonomous systems, with a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and operational excellence. The work culture encourages creativity, problem-solving, and the continuous improvement of systems and processes.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation in Dayton, OH, you can expect a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract top-tier talent in the aviation and technology sectors. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

Base Salary

The base salary for a Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation typically ranges from $180,000 to $300,000 annually, depending on the company size, revenue, and market position. Companies with leading-edge technological initiatives or those in advanced stages of autonomous aviation development may offer higher salaries.

Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages include performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are tied to key performance metrics such as successful system deployments, regulatory approvals, product development milestones, and overall company growth in the autonomous aviation sector. Bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on the company’s performance and your contributions.

Equity & Stock Options

Many companies in the aviation and technology sectors offer equity-based incentives, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These incentives align executive compensation with long-term company success and shareholder value. Depending on company size and valuation, equity grants can form a significant part of the total compensation package.

Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies may provide Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) to reward sustained performance over several years. These programs are designed to retain key leadership by offering additional incentives based on the company’s long-term growth, profitability, and technological advancements in autonomous aviation.

Executive Benefits & Perks

As a Director, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive retirement plans
Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances for business purposes
Wellness programs tailored to high-level executives
Expense accounts for business development, travel, and networking

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance

For highly sought-after candidates, signing bonuses or relocation assistance may be provided to attract top-tier talent. These one-time incentives can range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the company and candidate’s experience.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, performance bonuses, stock options, LTIPs, and executive benefits, total compensation for a Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation can range from $250,000 to over $500,000 annually, with high-growth or market-leading companies potentially offering even higher total compensation packages.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader with a deep understanding of autonomous systems in aviation and a proven track record of driving innovation, we invite you to apply for the Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation role in Dayton, OH. This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects in the autonomous aviation sector and shape the future of flight technology.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in autonomous systems, aviation technology, strategic leadership, and project management. Highlight your ability to oversee complex, multidisciplinary teams, drive technological advancements, and bring innovative autonomous aviation solutions to market.

This role offers a high-impact opportunity where you will play a critical role in shaping the direction of autonomous systems in aviation, leading teams to develop groundbreaking technologies, and contributing to the transformation of the aviation industry. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation in Dayton, OH!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Aviation Executive Careers Page.

Job Category: Aerospace

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Dayton

Director of Autonomous Systems in Aviation – Dayton, OH