Director Of Defense Technology Programs

ICON is looking to add a Director of Defense Technology Programs to lead construction-scale 3D printing R&D efforts in support of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). This role will oversee a multidisciplinary team of individual contributors across hardware, software, and material science, driving forward innovative solutions for national defense applications. The Director will also serve as a key point of contact for DOD stakeholders, ICON leadership, and internal technical leads. This position is based at ICON's headquarters in Austin, Texas and will report to our Senior Vice President of Engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize technical expertise to oversee the program/project management of key engineering initiatives including providing cross-functional guidance and decision-making
• Help locate and curate the needs of National defense partners and formulate, propose, then execute on technical roadmaps to meet National defense partner needs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with government stakeholders from initial contact through technical execution and delivery of R&D systems through to productization.
• Advise on all aspects of initiatives, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, controls methods, or operation of product designs
• Work closely with software, hardware, and materials engineering leadership on strategic planning-translating business strategies and customer goals into attainable and measurable deliverables, technical operating procedures, and execution of defined goals
• Establish a world-class engineering department that encourages honesty, transparency, and recognition
• Drive a results-oriented culture with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, engineering excellence, timely execution, and a high degree of customer focus
• Recruit, coach, and mentor the best engineering and management talent
• Possess strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
• Develop loyalty and commitment in others by communicating clear expectations, developing and mentoring direct reports, and setting an example in one's own behavior
• Possess and communicate the high value of safety, reliability and quality in the systems and products

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or related field); advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering roles with increasing responsibility, including hands-on technical execution and cross-functional collaboration.
• 5+ years of experience leading high-performing engineering teams in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, VP), with a proven ability to scale and develop technical organizations.
• Deep technical expertise and hands-on experience in engineering design, product development, and cross-functional R&D execution.
• Proven success leading early-stage research and development efforts through to product realization, with a focus on technical excellence and execution.
• Strong track record of delivering complex technology products on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Experience in one or more of the following or adjacent industries: Large-scale factory automation, heavy equipment design for mining, construction, logistics, or agriculture, or Raw material processing systemsExceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience aligning internal teams and external stakeholders around strategic goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High familiarity with government contracting for the Department of Defense and other government organizations.
• Familiarity with internal DoD processes and functions.
• Prior experience in National Defense contracts beyond innovation and research grant execution.