Job Description:

Head of Engineering | Romania

This is a mission-critical role at the heart of our European Digital Defence and Aerospace operations, where your leadership directly strengthens the technological sovereignty and security of our global infrastructure. As the Head of Engineering in Romania, you will lead a high-performance hub, embodying a leadership model that prioritizes trust, inclusivity, and the strategic development of our most valuable asset: our people.

Strategic Mission Hook:

You will spearhead the engineering excellence of our Romanian operations, serving as a vital link in the European digital defence ecosystem. By driving innovation in systems engineering and technology management, you ensure that our mission-critical services remain at the forefront of global security and industrial competitiveness.

Core Responsibilities & Impact:

• Architect Engineering Excellence: Drive the end-to-end engineering lifecycle, from project initiation to delivery, ensuring all solutions meet rigorous Time, Cost, and Quality (TCQ) standards.
• Empower High-Performance Teams: Act as a catalyst for growth by engaging, developing, and motivating your team(s) through a trust-based leadership model. You will create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.
• Strategize Technology Roadmaps: Oversee technology management and scouting to close capability gaps and maintain a competitive edge in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
• Optimize Operational Performance: Manage department budgets, resource allocation, and workload distribution within a complex matrix and multi-site organization.
• Champion Continuous Innovation: Eliminate non-value-added activities through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, while encouraging a fail-fast, learn-faster mindset.
• Stakeholder Influence: Act as a strategic partner to global customers and suppliers, ensuring clarity and consistency in technical requirements and delivery.

Skills & Capabilities Required Skills (Hard Skills)

• Advanced Systems Engineering: Mastery of the interdisciplinary approach required to transform customer needs into robust, lifecycle-supported solutions.
• Strategic Technology Management: Proven ability to manage prioritized technology portfolios and innovation roadmaps.
• Project Lifecycle Management (PLM): Expert-level experience in establishing project baselines, milestones, and risk management frameworks.
• Operational Control & KPI Management: Proficiency in visual management methods, 'Go, Look, See' techniques, and data-driven decision-making.
• Resource & Budget Planning: Demonstrated success in managing department budgets (OPEX/CAPEX) and workforce FTE/Headcount planning.

Valued Attributes (Soft Skills)

• Performance Mindset: A relentless focus on delivering value and exceeding organizational targets.
• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to navigate and lead through the complexities of a multicultural, matrixed environment and a proven ability to lead with empathy, build trust, and foster a psychologically safe environment.
• Curiosity & Lifelong Learning: A proactive approach to staying one step ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Ethical Integrity: A commitment to zero-tolerance for non-compliant behaviors and a focus on professional ethics.

Your Growth, Our Commitment
We believe that breakthroughs happen in **a culture of continuous learning and psychological safety.**In this role, your development is our priority; we provide the tools and coaching necessary for you to reach your full potential as a leader.We value skills over formal education for this role, prioritizing your proven ability to solve complex problems and lead people over traditional academic credentials. Our commitment to Adaptive and Inclusive Leadership ensures that you have the space to be creative, challenge the status quo, and grow within a global network of experts.

The Connected Intelligence Advantage:

Joining us means operating at the intersection of digital innovation and national security. We offer a unique position in the digital ecosystem where you can influence the future of European defence. We support your peak performance through flexible work arrangements and a collaborative environment that breaks silos and values diversity.

Are you ready to lead the engineering frontier?

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space Romania SRL:

Employment Type:

Permanent-------

Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Leadership

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsomairbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.