Domain Engineering Director (Protection System)

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

In Singapore, Thales has been a trusted partner since 1973, originally focused on aerospace activities in the Asia-Pacific region. With 2,000 employees across three local sites, we deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace (including air traffic management), defence and security, and digital identity and cybersecurity sectors. Together, we’re shaping the future by enabling customers to make pivotal decisions that safeguard communities and power progress.

Position Summary

The Engineering Director/Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Land Combat & Security (LCS) Business Line in Singapore, leading a multidisciplinary engineering organization of approximately 68 employees across Engineering Delivery, Systems Engineering, IVVQ, Network, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity. Reporting to the Head of LCS Domain, the role is accountable for ensuring the successful delivery of complex, large-scale integrated security solutions, meeting technical, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.

The role drives engineering excellence, resource optimization, technical governance, and capability development to support business growth across Critical Infrastructure Protection, Border Security, Safe Cities/Nations, Large Event Management, and Airport Operations.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the LCS Engineering Department, leading a multidisciplinary organization of approximately 68 employees across Engineering Delivery, Systems Engineering, IVVQ, Network, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity. Drive team performance, employee development, succession planning, and effective resource allocation to support business priorities and ensure successful execution of bids, projects, and strategic initiatives.

• Oversee engineering activities across bids and projects, ensuring the delivery of coherent, competitive, and technically robust solutions that meet customer requirements, quality standards, cost targets, and delivery schedules

• Provide technical direction across systems integration, software development and DevSecOps, cloud infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and automated testing.

• Establish and enforce engineering governance, standards, methodologies, tools, and processes in accordance with Group policies. Ensure early identification of technical risks, delivery challenges, and potential deviations, driving appropriate mitigation plans and corrective actions throughout the bid and project lifecycle.

• Assess current and future engineering resource requirements, ensuring the department maintains the appropriate balance of technical expertise, capacity, and competency levels. Work closely with discipline heads to develop engineering capability and competency roadmaps aligned with business growth, technology evolution, and strategic priorities.

• Develop recruitment, training, and staff development plans aligned with the Strategic Business Plan, project pipeline, and resource loading forecasts. Foster a high-performance engineering culture through coaching, mentoring, knowledge sharing, and succession planning.

• Manage the engineering department's annual and multi-year budgets, resource utilization, and operational performance. Provide engineering inputs and performance reporting for Multi-Year Budget (MYB), Strategic Business Planning (SBP), and Business Operations Reviews (BOR), ensuring alignment with business objectives and financial targets.

• Partner with Business Development, Sales, Bid, Project Management, Group Engineering, and customers to support business growth, bid competitiveness, technical solution development, and successful programme delivery. Drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure engineering capabilities are effectively aligned with customer expectations and business opportunities.

• Oversee self-funded R&D activities in accordance with Business Line agreements, promote the adoption of emerging technologies, and drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, delivery methodologies, and technical capabilities to strengthen the organization's competitive position.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related discipline.

• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering experience, including at least 5 years leading and managing sizeable multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Proven track record in delivering complex systems integration projects and supporting bids, pre-sales, and business development.

• Strong expertise in systems engineering, hardware and software integration, cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and digital technologies.

• Demonstrated leadership in team development, resource planning, performance management, and organizational transformation.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, strategic thinking, and decisive problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively in multicultural, cross-functional environments.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.