Head of Innovation, Center of Exploration

Our Technology

Safran Federal Systems provides Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (R-

PNT)

solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key defense PNT technologies.

The Opportunity

The Head of Innovation, Center of Exploration is responsible for defining and executing the company’s innovation strategy in support of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers. This leader identifies, matures, and transitions advanced technologies into deployable capabilities aligned with warfighter needs, national security priorities, and emerging operational concepts.

Operating at the intersection of strategy, technology, and mission execution, the Head of Innovation drives R&D, rapid prototyping, technology partnerships, and transition pathways to accelerate capability delivery into Programs of Record and operational environments. The role requires deep familiarity with defense acquisition processes, classified program execution, and collaboration across government, industry, and research institutions.

Job Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Road mapping

• Develop and execute a multi-year innovation strategy aligned with DoD mission priorities and future force requirements.
• Establish a technology roadmap linking R&D investments to operational transition and revenue growth.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies such as AI/ML, autonomous systems, cyber resilience, resilient PNT, advanced sensing, space systems, digital engineering, and secure communications.
  
  

DoD Engagement & Technology Transition

• Build strategic relationships across DoD Services, Combatant Commands, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), rapid capability offices, and research organizations.
• Engage with innovation and research entities (e.g., defense labs, BAAs, OTA consortia) to identify and secure funding opportunities.
• Translate warfighter needs and CONOPS into executable innovation initiatives and prototypes.
• Lead concept development, experimentation, demonstration, and transition into Programs of Record.
  
  

Advanced Programs & Rapid Prototyping

• Identify and pursue innovation funding mechanisms including OTAs, SBIR/STTR, BAAs, and R&D contracts.
• Oversee technical risk management, milestone tracking, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression.
• Ensure disciplined governance of innovation portfolio investments.
  
  

Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Establish partnerships with defense primes, small innovative businesses, academic institutions, and technology accelerators.
• Promote collaboration across government, industry, and research communities.
• Identify dual-use and commercial technologies adaptable to defense missions.
  
  

Internal Leadership

• Lead cross-functional innovation teams across engineering, cybersecurity, systems integration, and program management.
• Foster a culture of disciplined experimentation and rapid iteration.
• Align innovation investments with business development strategy, contract vehicle positioning, and long-term growth objectives.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (Master’s, MBA, or PhD preferred).
• 12+ years of experience in defense technology, advanced engineering, R&D, or innovation leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience supporting DoD customers in classified and unclassified environments.
• Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, including rapid prototyping pathways (OTA, SBIR/STTR) and transition strategies.
• Proven ability to mature technologies from concept through prototype, demonstration, and operational deployment.
• Experience transitioning capabilities into Programs of Record or sustained mission programs.
• Background in one or more relevant technical domains (e.g., AI/ML, autonomous systems, resilient navigation/PNT, cyber defense, space systems, advanced mission systems).
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams.
• Familiarity with digital engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and DevSecOps practices in defense environments.
• Strong executive communication skills; ability to brief senior military officers, SES-level civilians, and corporate leadership.
• U.S. Citizenship with active Secret or TS/SCI clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strategic foresight and emerging technology assessment
• Mission-driven innovation leadership
• Technical depth with operational understanding
• Innovation portfolio and investment management
• Government stakeholder engagement
• Risk management in classified environments
• Executive presence and persuasive communication
  
  

Success Measures

• Execution of a clearly defined innovation roadmap aligned with DoD priorities.
• Successful award and execution of prototype and R&D programs.
• Transition of innovative capabilities into operational use or Programs of Record.
• Strengthened position within the defense innovation ecosystem.
• Measurable contribution of innovative initiatives to competitive advantage and long-term revenue growth.