The Director of Environmental Control Systems leads the design, development, and delivery of aircraft environmental control systems including air conditioning, pressurization, ventilation, and thermal management. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for ECS engineering teams, ensuring technical excellence, program success, and regulatory compliance. The Director partners with cross-functional departments, customers, and suppliers to drive innovation and meet business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the ECS engineering organization, managing teams responsible for system design, integration, testing, and certification
Develop and implement technical strategies and roadmaps for ECS products that align with company and customer goals
Oversee project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management for ECS programs
Collaborate closely with program management, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of ECS solutions
Guide system architecture decisions, trade studies, and technical problem solving
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and certification requirements (FAA, EASA, RTCA DO-160, AS9100)
Manage supplier relationships and vendor performance for ECS components and subsystems
Foster continuous improvement and innovation in ECS design, testing, and manufacturing processes
Represent the ECS function in executive reviews, customer meetings, and industry events
Mentor and develop engineering leadership and staff
Key Focus Areas:
Leadership of ECS engineering teams and program execution
Strategic planning and technical innovation for ECS solutions
Cross-functional collaboration and supplier management
Regulatory compliance and quality assurance
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (required)
Master’s degree or advanced technical degree preferred
Experience:
10+ years in aerospace environmental control systems engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles
Proven success leading ECS product development from concept through certification and production
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and supplier partnerships
Technical Skills:
Deep knowledge of aircraft ECS design principles, thermal management, and environmental regulations
Familiarity with system integration, testing methodologies, and certification processes
Proficiency with engineering tools such as CAD (CATIA, NX), thermal analysis software, and PLM systems
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership and team development skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Strategic thinker with a customer-focused mindset
Problem solver with the ability to drive results under pressure