Head of Engineering - Software Development #0209

Job Description

Job Description

Our client is a forward-thinking aerospace security technology firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in cutting-edge drone detection and countermeasure solutions. They create sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine vision systems for aviation security and risk management, primarily supporting military and federal government organizations. Currently comprising around 30 team members, they are positioned for significant expansion and require robust technical leadership to support this growth trajectory.

We seek a seasoned Head of Engineering - Software Development to establish, mentor, and oversee expanding technical teams throughout the United States and European markets. This represents an exceptional chance to influence the technological roadmap of an advanced defense solutions provider during a transformative scaling period.

In this capacity as Head of Engineering, you will take ownership of building leadership frameworks, defining technical strategy, establishing operational procedures, and ensuring successful delivery across software development and artificial intelligence initiatives. Though your foundation will be extensively technical, this position emphasizes management responsibilities, strategic oversight, technical decision authority, and talent development over individual programming contributions. You will have direct reporting relationships with the Managing Director and collaborate extensively with the CEO to ensure technical initiatives support broader business goals.

This position provides the chance to direct technical innovation for solutions that actively support national defense and aviation safety, establish and grow technical teams during a crucial expansion period, operate at the convergence of artificial intelligence, machine vision, and defense systems, and define engineering practices, workflows, and technical benchmarks from inception while overseeing geographically distributed teams across the U.S. and Europe.

Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Strong technical leadership background with hands-on software engineering expertise
• U.S. Citizenship required (due to ITAR restrictions and government contract work)
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills (both technical and non-technical)
• Prior DoD or defense contractor project management experience (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, or similar)
• Deep understanding of Agile and DevOps practices
• Local to Atlanta or willing to relocate to the Atlanta metropolitan area
• 10+ years of software engineering experience in regulated industries (defense, aviation, aerospace, or similar highly-regulated sectors)
• Proven experience scaling and leading small engineering teams through growth phases
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field

Preferred Qualifications

Benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity : Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information : For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation : Keller Executive Search and / or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity :

State-Specific Information :

Veteran Status : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information : In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws : Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note : This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.