Department Manager Electromagnetic Warfare (m/f/x)

Do you want to provide direction to the development of security in the electromagnetic spectrum for civil and defense purposes within a rapidly changing aerospace and defense domain? Then we are looking for you!

In a world where aerospace systems are becoming increasingly complex, it is important to develop innovative solutions to guarantee safety and efficiency. Within NLR, we work on the development of advanced aerospace systems. We use software modeling and simulation to understand and optimize the behavior of complex systems.

Our expertise in hardware testing and operational support (OPS) ensures that our solutions are not only theoretically sound, but also practically applicable and robust.

Interest in Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) is increasing, with the need to protect our aerospace systems against electromagnetic threats. Therefore, we are looking for an experienced Department Manager for our new Aerospace Systems Electromagnetic Warfare (ASEW) department.

As ASEW Department Manager, you will lead a team of professionals with expertise in the design, development, and testing of aerospace systems with a focus on Electromagnetic Warfare.

Our ASEW department focuses on developing advanced EW systems, including radar, electro-optical, and communication systems, and testing and validating these systems in realistic scenarios.

We are looking for someone who not only has deep knowledge of EW principles and technologies, but also has experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. In alignment with your team leader, you will oversee one of the two Electromagnetic Warfare knowledge areas, namely Electronic Warfare Modelling and Simulation or Electronic Warfare Analyses.

In this role, you are responsible for developing and implementing strategies for the ASEW department, leading a team of professionals, and managing the operational activities of the department. You will also work closely with other NLR departments, such as the departments for software development, hardware testing, and operational support, to ensure that our solutions are integrated and effective.

• You are integrally responsible for the functioning of the ASEW department. That means you connect people, content, operations, and finance;

• You provide direction to the development of the department and have a clear vision on the role that Electromagnetic Warfare must play within NLR. You translate developments and questions from the market into new opportunities for research, knowledge development, and services;

• You work closely with business managers, clients, other NLR departments, and external partners. Collaboration with defense is important in this;

• You are organizationally strong and know how to organize a team and operation so that capacity, planning, and project ambitions are in balance;

• You know what a team needs to function well. You give professionals space where possible and adjust where necessary;

• You create a socially safe working environment in which people can speak up, hold each other accountable, and work together with respect;

• In addition, you are responsible for a healthy financial foundation for the department and work with the team on plans for further development of knowledge, technology, and facilities.

We are looking for an experienced leader who gets energy from an environment where people, technology, and operations come together. You recognize yourself in, and possess:

• Experience leading independent professionals;

• An inspiring and connecting leadership style;

• Affinity with aerospace systems and technology, particularly in the field of Electromagnetic Warfare;

• The ability to provide direction and also allow space;

• The quality to guide people in their career plans, and at the same time the strength to be clear and decisive when necessary;

• A relevant network within aviation, aerospace, or defense;

• Entrepreneurship and a sense for technological developments and societal relevance;

• A completed technical WO master's degree in a relevant field;

• Good communication skills in the Dutch and English languages (at least at C1 level)

• A strong focus on collaboration and results.

More important than ticking all the boxes is that you bring the right combination of leadership, substantive affinity, and a sense of responsibility.

Working at NLR means working in a national and international high-tech environment. Collaboration and involvement are highly valued by us. By giving you freedom and personal responsibility, you are best able to achieve groundbreaking innovations. Do you want to develop yourself both professionally and personally? That is also possible at NLR as a learning organization, supplemented by a training budget, a mentor, internal coaches, and good contacts with vocational, applied sciences, and universities.

In addition to all this, we offer you:

• The opportunity to contribute to complex and socially relevant issues;

• Sufficient holiday and ATV days (45 in total for full-time employment) for a good work-life balance;

• An end-of-year bonus of 8%;

• An allowance for your healthcare costs;

• Extra paid parental leave;

• The possibility to develop yourself with education and courses that match your ambitions.

Electromagnetic Warfare is a new department within Aerospace systems and has emerged from the Defence Operations department. You will be the leader of a team of enthusiastic and driven professionals. In doing so, you will work closely with other NLR departments, particularly the department from which ASEW emerged. The activities are directly related to Defense, resilience, and the protection of the Netherlands and the Dutch armed forces.

You will work from our location in Amsterdam and will have much contact with colleagues and partners within and outside NLR.

Royal NLR has been a knowledge organization for over 100 years with the will and ambition to innovate. Driven by that motivation, we make the world of aerospace safer, more sustainable, more efficient, and more effective, and we stand for groundbreaking innovations.

More than 1000 driven professionals work with us, from aeronautical engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts. NLR stands for an inclusive and diverse organization where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued, and respected.

Please call or email Frank Bax (recruiter) via 06-15676915/ 088-5113103 or via frank.bax@nlr.nl.

Our colleagues would love to tell you what it is like to work at NLR. By the way, don't forget to take a look at our socials, such as our YouTube channel.