VP of Engineering / CTO

Confidential Executive Opportunity | Defense Tech / Simulation & Training Systems

We are looking for an experienced technology executive to lead the engineering organization of a Ukrainian company developing advanced full-mission training simulators for military aircraft, helicopters, and armored vehicles.

Each simulator is a complex integrated system combining a physical cockpit, hardware, embedded software, real-time modeling, and visualization technologies.

This role requires a strong combination of strategic technology leadership, deep engineering expertise, and proven experience managing large, multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO, defining and driving the company’s engineering and technology strategy and translating business objectives into technical execution.
• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary engineering organization of 40–60 professionals across software, embedded, hardware, and system integration teams.
• Build and develop a strong engineering management structure, empowering technical leaders and ensuring effective collaboration.
• Own the full product development lifecycle, from R&D, system architecture, and prototyping to implementation, testing, integration, and customer acceptance.
• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, technical standards, and delivery practices across hardware and software development.
• Collaborate directly with Ukrainian and international customers and partners, including pre-sales activities, negotiations, and technical presentations.
• Travel to Kyiv and internationally as required.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience, including 3+ years in a senior technology leadership role (CTO, VP of Engineering, VP / Head of R&D, Director of Engineering, or equivalent).
• Proven experience managing engineering organizations of 30+ people, ideally across both software and hardware development.
• Strong technical background in Embedded Systems, Real-Time Technologies, or hardware-enabled solutions.
• Solid understanding of hardware/software architecture, system integration, and complex product development.
• Experience working directly with customers, including pre-sales, technical negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, decision-making, and people management skills.
• Ability to balance technical depth with business priorities and organizational development.
• English proficiency: Upper-Intermediate (B2) or higher.
• Willingness to travel within Ukraine and internationally.

Nice to Have

• Background in Defense Tech, Aerospace, Aviation, or Simulation technologies.
• Experience in Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Automotive, or Industrial Technologies.
• Experience working with government or military customers.
• Familiarity with formal product acceptance procedures and complex technical delivery environments.

Interested? We’d be happy to arrange a confidential introductory conversation.