Position: Chief Technology Officer / Head of Design Engineering
Location: Manesar, Haryana, India
Experience: 14-20 years
Role Summary
As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / Head of Design Engineering, you will serve as the chief technical architect and leader of Skylark’s multi-disciplinary design and engineering division. You will drive the end-to-end design, prototyping, testing, and lifecycle management of next-generation uncrewed air, surface, and C2 systems. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will lead cross-functional teams in aerodynamics, CFD, structural dynamics, embedded systems, AI-driven C2 autonomy, and fiber-optic/mesh communication integrations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Technology Leadership & R&D; Strategy
- Formulate and execute Skylark’s multi-year technical roadmap across unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS), unmanned surface vehicles (USV), precision loitering munitions, and mobile command platforms.
- Spearhead innovation in GNSS-denied navigation, AI-assisted target acquisition, mesh networking, and anti-jamming communication systems (e.g., fiber-optic guided munitions).
- Oversee design architectures for hybrid propulsion, heavy-lift VTOL structures, and high-endurance composites.
2. Multi-Disciplinary Engineering Operations
- Direct cross-functional engineering heads spanning Aerodynamics/CFD, Mechanical & Airframe Design, Embedded Avionics, AI/Autonomy, Electronic Warfare/RF Communications, and Systems Integration.
- Establish rigorous Systems Engineering standards across the complete product development lifecycle—from conceptual sizing and CAD/FEM modeling to prototype fabrication and military-grade qualification testing.
- Drive modularity across hardware and software architectures to maintain platform interoperability with the Vasuki C2 network.
3. Defense Qualification & Prototyping
- Lead prototype testing, field evaluations,
and flight/sea trials under real-world EW and harsh environmental conditions.
- Ensure all designs meet strict defense standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, STANAG) and certification frameworks for indigenous military deployment.
- Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain units to transition designs from R&D; to low-rate initial production (LRIP) and scalable manufacturing.
4. Team Building & IP Portfolio
- Recruit, mentor, and scale a world-class team of defense engineers, drone designers, and software architects.
- Establish patents and protect Skylark’s intellectual property across autonomous systems, propulsion, and communication tech.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: B.Tech / M.Tech / Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Avionics, or a related discipline from a top-tier institute.
- Experience: 14–20 years of total engineering experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Director of Engineering, Chief Engineer, or VP of R&D;) in defense, aerospace, or advanced unmanned systems.
Technical Expertise:
- Demonstrated track record of leading complex aerial (UAV/VTOL) or surface system design projects from concept to field deployment.
- Deep understanding of aerodynamics, CFD, structural analysis (FEA), composite materials, and flight controls.
- Hands-on familiarity with embedded systems, encrypted RF/mesh networks, AI autonomy stacks, and military payload integrations.
- Defense Protocols: In-depth knowledge of military testing standards, flight trials, electronic warfare environment design considerations, and defense procurement workflows.
Key Competencies
- Strategic technological vision with robust execution capabilities.
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills.
- High adaptability to rapid defense-tech R&D; cycles.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with defense stakeholders, military evaluators, and board members.
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📌 Chief Technology Officer (Defence UAVs) (Manesar)
🏢 Skylark Group
📍 Manesar