Executive Director, Engineering & Technology, Optical Communications Division
CACI Open · verified Oct 25, 2026 At a glance
Director-level Communications role at CACI. Florham Park · full-time · $193,400–$425,600 base.
growthroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Lead scientists and engineers developing optical systems for communications and sensing
- Shape research proposals for customers in civil space, intelligence and defense, then oversee staffing and schedule delivery
- Provide engineering direction at key customer milestones and assess readiness to move work from research into production
- Grow the division through customer discussions and proposal work, while developing managers and technical staff
- Set engineering practices across development stages, oversee indirect spending and assign engineering resources with division leaders
What you bring
- A technical bachelor’s degree and at least fifteen years across optics or a related technical management field and aerospace product development
- A record of leading advanced development teams using disciplined engineering methods and staged product development
- Hands-on familiarity with Defense Department or federal purchasing processes, plus leadership of large teams, complex programs and portfolios
- You can obtain or keep a security clearance and work effectively in matrixed teams
Who this fits
This director-level role suits a technical leader who has managed large engineering teams and complex aerospace development work. You’ll guide managers and staff, while also contributing as part of a senior leadership team. Travel may reach one quarter of your time, with local travel.
From the employer
The Opportunity:
CACI is seeking an Executive Director, Engineering & Technology to lead our Optical Communications Division. This division in our orgnaization generates the most advanced free-space optical laser communication solutions available today, transmitting data over long distances at rates up to 100 times faster than traditional radio frequency systems for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based applications. Commercial and U.S. government satellite communication networks and future deep space exploration missions (both manned and unmanned) will require high-bandwidth communications links to ground stations on Earth to support advanced scientific instruments, high-definition video, and high-resolution imagery. In this role, you will be a leader in this endeavor.
Responsibilities:
- Ability to successfully lead a high performing, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers who create optical systems for communications and sensing.
- Develop ideas for research projects to develop new technologies for customers in civil space, intelligence, and defense.
- Manage the staffing of contract work and IRAD programs to ensure that all efforts remain on schedule according to their program requirements
- Provide technical oversight as needed for program execution, including but not limited to significant customer milestones and internal readiness to transition from R&D to production
- Contribute to the growth of the Division through customer engagements and proposal development
- Monitor manager performance and that of their key subordinates and guides their professional development.
- Plan and oversee the professional development and technical training of his staff, hiring and retaining qualified professionals as needed.
- Instill and propagate industry-best engineering processes from R&D through LRIP, and ensure that process discipline is always applied to all Engineering tasks
- Monitor all Indirect expenses, both labor and non-labor, and provide focused approval for all non-labor Indirect expenses
- Work closely with the Division Vice President and the Division Product Directors to resolve issues, provide Engineering judgement, and allocate Engineering resources
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in related, technical discipline
- Minimum 15 years' experience collectively in the following areas: technical management in optics or related field and product development for aerospace applications
- Proven experience leading high-tech development teams, with particular focus on rigorous engineering methodology and a stage-gate development lifecyle
- Working knowledge of DoD and/or Federal procurement practices
- Must show experience managing a large of employees, complex programs and portfolios, managing customer and employee expectations; and driving creative solutions to meet or resolve technical issues
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and the ability to work collegially as a contributing member of a strong leadership team
- Experience working in a matrixed-managed organization
- Ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance
Desired:
- Advanced degree in a technical discipline
What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$193,400 - $425,600CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.
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