Technical Director Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: $135,000 – $190,000 Annually

Black River Systems Company, Inc. is an established, employee-owned engineering firm headquartered in Utica, NY. We specialize in advanced research and development for the U.S Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and commercial customers. We are seeking a Technical Director with expertise in signal processing to provide technical leadership in our Signals business area. The Technical Director will work closely with Business Directors, program managers, engineering teams, and customers to define technical strategy, guide program execution, develop new business opportunities, and ensure mission success. The Technical Director should possess expertise in signal processing, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), wireless communications, RF systems, software-defined radio, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for signal processing, and government and industry open software architectures, along with a demonstrated record for technical leadership and customer engagement.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for Black River’s Signals portfolio, including technology development, engineering execution, and long-term technical vision.
• Collaborate with Business Directors and program managers to align technical execution with customer objectives, business strategy, and program priorities.
• Interface with customers to provide trusted technical guidance, shape technical roadmaps, and cultivate long-term customer relationships.
• Lead technical planning, system architecture, and engineering execution to ensure high-quality program performance, product development, and mission success.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff while fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Support staffing decisions by aligning technical expertise with program requirements and organizational priorities.
• Define technical requirements and ensure engineering teams have the resources, direction, and support necessary for successful execution.
• Drive innovation through Internal Research & Development (IR&D), technology roadmaps, and strategic investment planning.
• Lead and support business growth through customer engagement, opportunity shaping, proposal development, and strategic partnerships.
• Monitor emerging technologies, customer priorities, and industry trends to identify new business opportunities and maintain Black River’s technical leadership.
• Promote a collaborative, customer-focused culture that reflects Black River’s commitment to technical excellence, integrity, and mission success.
• Perform other technical leadership responsibilities as required.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in signal processing, digital communications, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership for multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering advanced defense or intelligence systems.
• Subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: Signal Processing, Wireless Communications, RF Systems, Software-Defined Radio (SDR), or Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Signal Processing.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or operational programs.
• Proven experience supporting business development activities, including customer engagement, technical strategy, and proposal development.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Willingness to travel to customer locations.
• Ability to work onsite in Utica, NY, with frequent support at AFRL Rome, NY.
• Active TS/SCI Department of Defense Security Clearance preferred.
• US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Black River Systems is a growing, employee-owned company committed to delivering innovative solutions to our customers while investing in the success of our employees. We offer a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative small business. If you meet the qualifications and have an interest in the position,

Black River Systems is an EEO/AA employer. We are an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities or any other basis protected by federal law. In addition, Black River Systems Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities and employees.