Director, R&D and Technology – Defence & Security

About the role

Bittium is looking for an experienced Director, R&D and Technology to lead product development and technology activities within its Defence & Security business segment. This is a key leadership position reporting directly to the SVP of the Defence & Security Business Segment, working closely with business leadership, Research, Product Management and external technology partners. The role also has a key influence on how AI is adopted and used in the segment.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the segment's product development and technology strategy, aligned with business objectives and future technology needs.
• Drive R&D initiatives from planning to implementation, removing obstacles so teams deliver on their commitments.
• Lead the development of complex technology products and systems, ensuring quality, reliability and manufacturability.
• Lead the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) development and the SW Engineering Excellence program.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary R&D teams, strengthening capabilities and ways of working.
• Own R&D planning, resource allocation, performance management, financial forecasting and long-range planning.
• Work with Research and Product Management to align priorities and objectives, and manage relationships with R&D partners and subcontractors.
• Promote AI adoption in product development, build capabilities to design, integrate and test AI-powered features in secure communication systems, and ensure AI use follows Bittium's AI principles, the EU AI Act and Bittium's AI competence requirements.

Required profile

• Relevant technical university degree, preferably an M.Sc. in Engineering in electronics, telecommunications, electrical engineering or a related field.
• Solid leadership experience in R&D, engineering or product development within a technology-driven organization.
• Proven track record of turning complex development plans into results, with a hands-on, decisive style.
• Experience developing R&D organizations, improving processes and driving operational excellence.
• Good business and financial understanding, including resource planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Ability to pass the security clearances required by the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo).

Required skills

• Strong understanding of electronics, embedded systems and multidisciplinary product development, including hardware and software integration.
• Leadership of R&D organizations and SAFe development.
• AI competence is mandatory for everyone at Bittium.