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# SVP, R&D with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Orlando, FL


Role Overview for SVP, R&D with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Research & Development for a confidential, market-leading aerospace and defense manufacturer located in the vibrant technology hub of Orlando, Florida. Our client is a globally recognized pioneer with a rich history of developing groundbreaking technologies that have consistently redefined the boundaries of aviation, space exploration, and national security. This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious executive leadership team and steer the innovation engine of a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
As the SVP of R&D, you will be the chief visionary and strategist for all forward-looking technology initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will be entrusted with a significant budget and the leadership of a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of over 500 scientists, engineers, and technical staff. Your mission will be to architect and execute a long-range technology roadmap that not only sustains the company’s competitive advantage but also creates entirely new markets and capabilities. You will champion a culture of relentless curiosity, disciplined experimentation, and seamless transition of disruptive technologies from the laboratory to flagship products.
This role is more than a leadership position; it is a call to shape the future of aerospace. You will be at the forefront of developing next-generation solutions in areas such as sustainable aviation, autonomous systems, advanced materials science, hypersonics, and digital engineering. Your influence will extend across the entire organization, ensuring that R&D is deeply integrated with corporate strategy, product development, and business growth objectives. We are seeking a proven leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, deep technical expertise, and the executive presence to inspire teams and stakeholders to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, R&D with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Orlando, FL
The SVP of R&D will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Technology Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute the company’s comprehensive R&D strategy and long-term technology roadmap, ensuring tight alignment with overall business goals, market trends, and customer needs. Champion this vision at the board level and across the enterprise.
Innovation Pipeline Management
Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle, from fundamental research and conceptualization through to prototyping, testing, and successful transition to new product development teams. Implement and refine stage-gate processes to manage risk and optimize resource allocation.
Talent & Organizational Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically diverse organization of top-tier technical talent. Foster a dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative culture that attracts, retains, and develops the industry’s best minds. Implement succession planning and professional development programs.
Fiscal & Resource Oversight
Assume full P&L responsibility for the R&D organization. Develop, manage, and meticulously control a substantial annual budget, ensuring all investments deliver a strong return and are aligned with strategic priorities.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Drive the creation and protection of a robust intellectual property portfolio. Oversee the patenting process, manage trade secrets, and leverage IP to create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with leaders in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Program Management to ensure a seamless flow of innovation into marketable products.
External Ecosystem Engagement
Serve as the company’s chief technology ambassador. Forge strategic partnerships with leading universities, national laboratories, government agencies (e.g., NASA, DARPA, Air Force Research Laboratory), and innovative startups to accelerate technology development and access external expertise.
Technology Scouting & Intelligence
Establish and lead a robust technology intelligence function to monitor the competitive landscape, identify disruptive emerging technologies, and assess potential M&A opportunities that align with the strategic roadmap.
Regulatory & Compliance Adherence
Guarantee that all research and development activities are conducted in strict compliance with all relevant industry standards, government regulations, and export controls, including deep familiarity with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and ITAR.
Executive Reporting & Communication
Provide regular, insightful updates to the C-suite and Board of Directors on R&D progress, key performance indicators, technology risks, and strategic opportunities, translating complex technical concepts into clear business implications.
Requirements for the SVP, R&D with an Aerospace Manufacturer – Orlando, FL
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive and respected technologist with a proven history of driving innovation and delivering results in a complex, high-stakes environment.
Educational Background
A Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline is required. A Ph.D. is strongly preferred. An MBA or advanced business degree is a significant plus.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the aerospace, defense, or a related high-tech industry, with at least 10 years in a senior R&D leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Senior Director) with significant budgetary and personnel responsibility.
Technical Depth
Demonstrable, deep subject matter expertise in several core aerospace technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems (including electric/hybrid), composite materials, autonomous flight controls, avionics architecture, digital twin technologies, artificial intelligence/machine learning applications, or satellite systems.
Leadership Acumen
A proven track record of building, leading, and scaling high-performing, multi-disciplinary R&D teams. Must possess exceptional motivational skills, a coaching mindset, and the ability to foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
Business & Strategic Insight
Strong financial acumen and extensive experience with R&D portfolio management, business case development, ROI analysis, and strategic planning. Ability to connect technology initiatives directly to business outcomes and market growth.
Communication & Influence
World-class communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to command a room, build consensus, and articulate a compelling technology vision to a wide range of audiences, from deeply technical engineers to non-technical board members and investors.
Government Programs Experience
Significant experience working on and leading R&D for government-funded programs (DoD, NASA, etc.) is highly desirable. Familiarity with government contracting, proposal development, and program management is key.
Citizenship & Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen. The ability to obtain and maintain a high-level U.S. Government Security Clearance is a mandatory condition of employment. An existing, active security clearance is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Executive Base Salary
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A substantial annual incentive plan tied to the achievement of company, divisional, and individual performance goals.
Long-Term Incentive Program
A significant equity award (e.g., stock options, RSUs) to ensure a strong alignment with the long-term value creation for the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Includes robust mental health and wellness programs.
Retirement Savings Plan
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Executive Benefits
Access to additional executive-level benefits such as deferred compensation plans, financial planning services, and enhanced life and disability insurance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package to assist with your move to the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off policy, including vacation, personal days, sick leave, and company holidays.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted by JRG Partners. The opportunity to lead R&D for this aerospace leader represents a career-defining move for a visionary technology executive. If you possess the requisite experience, passion for innovation, and leadership qualities to drive the next wave of aerospace technology, we invite you to begin a confidential discussion with us.
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. To learn more or to be considered for this and other confidential executive opportunities, please explore our Industrial & Manufacturing executive search practice and connect with our team of dedicated recruiters.