Ecosystem Development Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

VP, Digital Ecosystem Development

This key position will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and is responsible for developing and executing the company’s long-term strategic vision, planning, and execution for the development of the Digital Ecosystem, ensuring alignment and realization of North Wind goals.

Responsibilities:

Digital Engineering Ecosystem Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy aligned with business goals, driving innovation and growth through digital engineering solutions, data management, and advanced data science
• Develop and win new businesses to scale the company’s digital engineering and advanced data science technologies to adjacent test and evaluation applications and across the system development life cycle.
• Manage partnerships to develop and maintain an ecosystem focused on accelerating learning within the design cycle by leveraging state-of-the-art test facilities, physics-based modeling and simulation (M&S), and advanced data analytics
• Lead the company’s resource and growth plan for the required competencies to execute the digital engineering ecosystem strategy
• Leverage and foster industry relationships to forecast market trends, customer behavior, and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities and align company efforts and investments to secure these opportunities
• Track and analyze digital ecosystem performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations for improvement
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to communicate and implement strategy

Leadership

• Oversee the development and implementation of digital solutions supporting complex engineering and program requirements with a focus on ground and flight testing
• Ensure solutions meet complex technical and programmatic requirements while adhering to industry standards and best engineering practices
• Provide leadership and guidance on architecture, design, and implementation of digital solutions, ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and secure
• Guide the company’s digital transformation, including recommending new tools or technologies that will improve programmatic, operational, and technical project execution and facilitating staff adoption across the organization
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to engineering and functional teams. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth
• Champion continuous improvement through regular feedback, training, and performance development initiatives to maximize team effectiveness and align to organizational goals

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum 20 years of relevant experience in product engineering and planning.
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Ability to define complex problems, analyze data, interpret abstract concepts, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong knowledge of digital engineering tools and technologies, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE), AI/ML, IoT, DevOps, and cloud-based platforms.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing engineering teams and driving digital transformation initiatives.
• Skilled in project management, prioritization, budgeting, and delivering results on time.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition processes, R&D funding, and technology development programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and engineering-related software tools.
• Active U.S. security clearance strongly preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.
• Experience in early-stage R&D, product development methodologies, and innovation strategy
• Experience with high-speed/hypersonic aerospace test systems and/or vehicle development programs.