Director of Engineering
Key Skills
Job Description
Scale our engineering power without losing our edge – shape the future of advanced radar technology.
As our Director of Engineering, you lead the operational transformation and rapid scale-up of our largest division. You co-own the engineering strategy with our CTO, taking full ownership of executing our annual plan, departmental budgets, and operational excellence. Working alongside our Management Team, you empower domain heads across software, hardware, RF, system engineering, and SVVT to deliver world-class 3D 360° radar systems. You turn strategic decisions into scalable processes while keeping our high-performance culture thriving.
What you'll do
Annual plan execution and governance: Take full operational accountability for executing the annual Engineering Business Plan. Drive release targets, manage R&D OPEX and CAPEX budgets, and safeguard division health
Strategic partnership and scaling: Co-own the technology roadmap with the CTO and translate it into operational goals. Lead the expansion of Engineering from 100 to 200+ FTEs, establishing robust systems engineering frameworks
Domain leadership and empowerment: Direct and empower heads of Software, Hardware, RF, System Engineering, and SVVT. Guide teams on a rolling next-quarter operational horizon to maintain high velocity and quality
Program delivery and integration: Oversee multi-disciplinary programs combining hardware, embedded software, micro-Doppler AI, and signal processing. Ensure seamless cross-functional synergy for on-time, high-quality product releases
Technical talent acquisition and development: Partner with Talent Acquisition to build and execute large-scale recruitment strategies. Invest in continuous learning, career growth, and knowledge sharing across specialized radar domains
Executive alignment and academic ties: Deliver transparent reporting on division health, program risks, and key milestones to the Board. Nurture long-term partnerships with leading knowledge institutes across Europe
What you bring
12+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience, with 5+ years in a senior executive role
Proven track record scaling complex, multi-disciplinary engineering divisions from scale-up to mature organizations
Demonstrated experience co-owning strategy and managing multi-million R&D budgets alongside C-level peers
Strong background in combined hardware and software environments, including RF, radar systems, and AI
Deep expertise in Systems Engineering principles, V-model/Agile hybrid governance, and KPI management
Exceptional track record in recruiting, developing, and retaining high volumes of technical talent
Outstanding executive presence and ability to communicate complex technical insights to C-level board members
Fluent in written and spoken English
HQ-based in The Hague with willingness for occasional travel to field sites and test facilities
N.B. Don't worry if you don't tick every box. Our mission is a journey, and there's plenty to learn along the way. If most of this fits, we'd love to hear from you.
A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and a background check are part of our screening process. We appreciate your understanding.
What we offer
Working for a Great Place to Work® certified company
Comprehensive pension plan
Commuting allowance
30 days of paid holiday leave (with the possibility to buy 3 additional days)
Opportunities to develop your skills even further through training and certifications
High quality laptop/desktop, monitor, headphones, and any other equipment necessary for your role
An international team of 30+ nationalities, full of high performance colleagues you can exchange experiences with and learn from. As well as having a lot of fun in our social events and Friday drinks
Robin Radar is a technology leader in tracking and classifying small objects. Our radars and software help prevent bird strikes in aviation, reduce the impact of wind farms on wildlife, and protect critical infrastructure from drone threats. Our work shows up at airports, wind farms, military sites and nature reserves around the world.
We're one of the top 10 fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands, with a crew of bright minds across 30+ nationalities. Growth doesn't mean we lose the plot – eyes on the skies, feet on the ground. Our values keep us grounded: WE TRUST. WE OWN IT. WE AIM HIGH.
Want to work on next-level radar tech, solve real problems, and never have to pretend your job has meaning?
You'll fit right in – we're saving you a seat.
Core Responsibilities
The Director of Engineering will lead the operational transformation and scaling of the engineering division while co-owning the technology roadmap with the CTO. They are responsible for executing the annual business plan, managing R&D budgets, and empowering domain heads to deliver high-quality radar systems.
Requirements
Candidates must have 12+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience, including 5+ years in a senior executive role. A strong background in hardware and software environments, specifically within radar systems and systems engineering, is required.
Benefits
- Comprehensive pension plan
- Commuting allowance
- 30 days of paid holiday leave
- Training and certifications
- High quality equipment
About Robin Radar
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size: 51-200 employees
We’re Robin Radar Systems, and we have you covered. Robin is a Netherlands-based technology leader in bird and drone radar. Our mission is to provide actionable information that increases safety, for humans and wildlife alike. Our systems are built for accuracy, delivering 360° coverage and early warnings. They empower teams in aviation, ecology, defence and security with reliable updates and alerts of potential hazards. We do that by combining cutting-edge hardware with smart software. Our technologies may be ahead of the pack, but our people make us great. Looking for an innovative adventure that spans the globe? Join ours! https://www.robinradar.com/careers Bird Strike Prevention in Aviation Our bird radar systems monitor and store bird movements around the clock. With MAX, you get 3D, 360° awareness, 365 days a year. As well as bringing awareness to a whole new level, our radars provide key insights, like data trends and activity hotspots, to assess and strengthen strategies and KPIs. Bird Monitoring at Wind Farms Increasingly, permits to build wind farms are given under the pre-condition that bird movements are continuously monitored before, during and after construction. Our 3D avian radars simultaneously detect and log thousands of birds and bats, providing extensive reporting for your wind farm’s smooth development and operation. MAX can even detect the beginning of mass migrations and, if needed, trigger the temporary shutdown of single or groups of turbines. Protect wildlife, minimise downtime. Drone Detection in Critical Environments Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or ‘drones’ bring new opportunities, but also severe safety and security threats. We believe advanced detection is your first line of defence, so our systems are deployable, integrate seamlessly, and provide 360° coverage, even on the move. Our purpose-built drone detection radar, IRIS, can detect, track, and automatically distinguish birds from drones.