About the Role: We are looking for a seasoned and technically strong Program Head to lead and manage dedicated software engineering teams across multiple sections within the Project. This is a senior leadership role requiring a rare combination of deep computer software expertise, program management acumen, and hands-on exposure to software certification processes in a defence or aerospace environment.
The Program Head will be the single point of accountability for software delivery, team coordination, and certification compliance across the program, reporting to senior program leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and manage multiple software engineering teams dedicated to various functional sections within the AEW&C Mk-II program
- Own end-to-end program planning, execution, and delivery of software milestones and deliverables
- Drive software certification processes and ensure compliance with applicable Category 1 certification standards (DO-178C / MIL-STD or equivalent)
- Establish and enforce software development processes, quality gates, and governance frameworks across teams
- Manage stakeholder communication, program reviews, and reporting to senior leadership and customer representatives
- Coordinate with systems, hardware, avionics, and integration teams for seamless software-hardware integration
- Identify and mitigate program risks, technical risks, and schedule risks proactively
- Drive continuous improvement in software engineering practices, toolchains, and team capability
Required Skills & Experience:
- Strong academic and professional background in Computer Science, software engineering, or related engineering discipline
- 9–10 years of progressive experience in software development and program/project management roles
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary software engineering teams in complex programs
- Hands-on exposure to software certification processes – DO-178C, MIL-STD, or equivalent Category 1 certification frameworks
- Sound understanding of embedded systems, real-time software, and mission-critical software architectures
- Strong program management skills – planning, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder management
- Management background through formal qualification (MBA / PG in Management) or demonstrated leadership experience
Good to Have:
- Prior experience in defence, aerospace, or mission-critical software programs (DRDO / HAL / BEL / ISRO or equivalent)
- PMP, Prince2, or equivalent project management certification
- Familiarity with CMMI, AS9100, or equivalent process maturity frameworks
- Exposure to MBSE, model-based development, and software V&V methodologies