Head of Engineering, CIS Domain Singapore

Location: Singapore, Singapore

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

In Singapore, Thales has been a trusted partner since 1973, originally focused on aerospace activities in the Asia-Pacific region. With 2,000 employees across three local sites, we deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace (including air traffic management), defence and security, and digital identity and cybersecurity sectors. Together, we’re shaping the future by enabling customers to make pivotal decisions that safeguard communities and power progress.

Position Summary

You will join the operations management of the CIS Domain in Singapore as the Head of Engineering.

You will build excellence in engineering of the domain to create and maintain products and projects for the group and external customers.

The ambition is to be an ever more learning and stimulating work environment, in particular by continuously cultivating know-how and interpersonal skills, and by designing innovative products and services that bring value to users.

Your Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and tactical inputs related to engineering to the Head of Domain for business development, opportunities exploration, and negotiations, in order to shape the business direction in the most streamlined manner for engineering and delivery.
• Structure the engineering organization according to the Operating Model of the Domain.
• Manage and report on engineering performance with respect to the Domain direction and engineering needs to the Domain head and any other relevant parties.
• Develop the competitiveness of engineering by implementing a continuous improvement approach to the Group's engineering processes & associated engineering practices, and digital development environments (Engineering Factories, Cloud platforms, etc.).
• Develop the engineering skills of employees, in particular via weekly learning moments by cultivating sharing and continuous learning (technologies, tools, practices, processes, etc.).
• Ensure the right competencies mix is available to cater for the project and product needs for activities along the lines of cloud/on-prem platforms, software/AI engineering, and user centric solutions.
• Cascade the engineering model build team/squad in the right size and shape for different phases of activities such as discovery, prototyping, delivery and maintenance.
• Be the manager of the Head of Disciplines (HoDs) of existing engineering disciplines (currently Design, Product Ownership, Software, Cloud & Platforms, and Innovation).
• Develop the HoDs in their role as manager coaches so that they support their employees in the sustainable construction of their professional development.
• Define and be the guardian of the annual assessment model that encompasses elements of collaboration, learning, engineering quality, delivery, and user/customer satisfaction.
• Conduct weekly sync-ups with the Discipline Heads, and regular cadences with the Disciplines members, and evaluate the Discipline skills, growth, and performance in relation to engineering.
• Oversee the assignment of engineers to product and project development, and be the guardian of engineering quality in Build & Run in accordance with commitments.
• Develop human and cross-disciplinary skills to facilitate co-engineering in a multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinate with the other engineering managers and teams in the Group to create synergies.

Requirements

• Passionate about engineering complex software solutions that require advanced tooled engineering practices, innovation and the implementation of recent technologies (Cloud, Data & AI, Cyber, etc.).
• At least 10 years of successful experience in engineering environments carrying out projects or products and services according to co-engineering, Lean & Agile principles.
• Able to evolve in a technical environment and understand the issues in order to make the most appropriate decisions for your scope.
• Proven commitment and desire for continuous improvement and encourages the capitalization and sharing of knowledge.
• Demonstrates leadership and has already been able to bring together large multidisciplinary and multi-site teams to carry out projects.
• Great listening skills and adaptability that you develop according to situations.
• Interpersonal skills that facilitate your collaboration with the various stakeholders in order to ensure the cohesion of your organization, which you support with a global and strategic vision.
• Knows how to simplify and break down complex problems: establishes priorities and coordinates resources accordingly, thus demonstrating the ability to distribute tasks effectively.
• Knows how to use organizational skills to ensure the monitoring of engineering projects, in compliance with deadlines, costs and quality, with a clear vision of risks and opportunities.

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.