Location: Hengelo, Netherlands

About your future job

The F126 Engineering Delivery Manager leads the technical delivery of one of Europe's most complex naval programs, overseeing 400+ engineers across System Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and IVVQ.

This position requires exceptional technical leadership to deliver cutting-edge naval combat systems for the German Navy's next-generation frigates.

As the F126 EDM, you will:

Lead the technical delivery of the complete F126 solution, ensuring on-time, on-quality delivery of all engineering deliverablesPartner closely with the F126 Project Management (your peers reporting to the F126 Project Director) to ensure seamless integration of technical delivery with program managementOversee and coordinate System Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and IVVQ teams totaling 400+ engineersDrive engineering excellence across a geographically distributed organization (Netherlands, Germany, Romania)Represent engineering in customer reviews and executive-level governance forumsNavigate complex stakeholder landscapes across multiple Thales entities, customer organizations, and international partnersFoster collaboration across 14 nationalities, creating a unified high-performance engineering cultureChampion technical innovation while managing risks in this critical naval programLead transformation of engineering processes, tools, and practices for continuous improvementDevelop future leaders through coaching and creating growth opportunities across the organization

This role offers exceptional visibility and impact, directly shaping the success of one of Thales' most strategic programs. You'll work at the intersection of cutting-edge naval technology and large-scale system-of-systems engineering, with direct influence on European naval capabilities for decades to come.

Why you'd be a good match

Profile:

Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or equivalent7+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience, with at least 3 years managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary engineering organizationsProven track record in naval systems, defense, or similar complex systems integration domainsExperience leading engineering teams across multiple countries and culturesActive security clearance or ability to obtain oneFluent English: Dutch and German language skills are highly valued

Technical Competencies:

Technical Excellence: Deep understanding of systems integration and large-scale software development in mission-critical environmentsScale Management: Proven ability to lead 300+ person engineering organizations across multiple technical disciplinesStrategic Technical Leadership: Experience defining and executing engineering strategies for billion-euro programsNaval Systems Expertise: Strong knowledge of naval combat systems or complex defense systems integrationSoftware at Scale: Experience with large-scale software development for real-time, safety-critical systemsEngineering Governance: Mastery of modern engineering practices, tools, and quality assurance at enterprise scale

Behavioral Competencies:

Inspirational Leadership: Creates compelling technical vision that motivates diverse, large-scale engineering teamsExecutive Presence: Confidence to represent engineering at board level and with senior military customersPartnership Orientation: Builds trust-based relationships, particularly crucial with Project Management counterpartsCross-Cultural Agility: Successfully leads across 14 nationalities with cultural sensitivity and effectivenessStrategic Systems Thinking: Connects technical domains, organizational boundaries, and program dependenciesResilience Under Pressure: Maintains composure and effectiveness during critical program phasesPeople Development: Coaches leaders and creates environments where 400+ engineers can thriveDecision Making: Makes tough technical decisions with incomplete information while managing significant risks

Your Career at Thales

Future opportunities will allow you to discover other domains or sites. You will be able to evolve and grow your competencies in different areas:

Room and attention to personal developmentBuild your talents in another domain of Thales Group, discovering new products, new customers, new countries or go to a more complex SolutionChoose between technical expertise or a leadership pathBuild an international career within a leading Engineering Group

What's in it for you

A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environmentRoom for personal and professional growth within our organizationValuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countriesA comfortable workspace in a modern environment, with focus on flexibility and work-life balanceHybrid working arrangements where possibleCompetitive salary and comprehensive benefits package40 days off per year (PTO)

Level of responsibility

LR 11 VKG 90

Interested?
Reach out for more information to our Talent Acquisition Partner Gerlof Jan Heck, via gerlofjan.heck@thalesgroup.com or +31 (0) 634748278.

Would you like to apply directly? Then click on the link to show your interest.

To ensure that we are a good match, we can ask you to participate in an assessment.

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