Director, R&D and Technology – Bittium Defence & Security

Lead technology, people and product development in a business where reliability and performance truly matter.

Bittium is looking for an experienced Director, R&D and Technology to lead product development and technology activities within its Defence & Security business segment. This is a key leadership position combining strategic responsibility, strong technological expertise and hands-on operational leadership.

We are looking for a leader who not only sets direction but makes things happen. You know how to turn strategies and development plans into concrete actions, drive execution across teams and ensure that commitments translate into measurable results.

You will report directly to SVP of the Defence & Security Business Segment and work closely with business leadership, Research, Product Management and external technology partners.

What you will be responsible for

• R&D strategy and technology development: Define and execute the segment's product development and technology strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and future technology needs.

• Execution and delivery: Drive R&D initiatives from planning to successful implementation, ensuring clear ownership, effective decision-making and measurable results. Actively remove obstacles and ensure that teams deliver on their commitments.

• Product development excellence: Lead the development of complex technology products and systems, ensuring quality, reliability, manufacturability and efficient execution.

• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) development.

• SW Engineering Excellence program leadership.

• Leadership and organizational development: Lead and develop multidisciplinary R&D teams, strengthen capabilities and ways of working, and build a high-performing, accountable organization.

• Operational and financial performance: Take ownership of R&D planning, resource allocation, performance management, financial forecasting and long-range planning. Ensure clear priorities, measurable targets and timely corrective actions.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Research and Product Management to align priorities, establish shared objectives and drive coordinated execution to achieve common business and product development targets.

• External partnerships: Develop and manage relationships with R&D partners and subcontractors to strengthen technological capabilities, secure resources and support successful development activities.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a technically strong, business-oriented leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical, results-driven approach.

You bring:

• A relevant technical university degree, preferably an M.Sc. in Engineering in electronics, telecommunications, electrical engineering or a related field.

• Solid leadership experience in R&D, engineering or product development within a technology-driven organization.

• Strong understanding of electronics, embedded systems and multidisciplinary product development, including hardware and software integration.

• A proven track record of turning complex development plans into tangible results, with a hands-on, decisive leadership style and a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Experience in developing R&D organizations, improving processes and driving operational excellence.

• Good business and financial understanding, including resource planning, budgeting and forecasting.

• Strong people leadership, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to align different functions, make decisions and deliver results.

AI as Part of Product Development

AI is transforming how technology products are developed and what kinds of solutions can be offered to customers. At Bittium, AI plays a role both in everyday product development and in the capabilities built into our products. In this role, you will have a key influence on how AI is adopted and utilized within the Defence & Security segment.

• AI-assisted product development: You will drive the adoption of AI tools and ways of working in day-to-day product development, improving productivity, quality and the overall developer experience.

• AI capabilities in products: You will build the capabilities needed to design, integrate and test AI-powered features as part of secure and reliable communication systems.

• Responsible and controlled use of AI: You will ensure that AI is used in accordance with Bittium’s AI principles and guidelines, as well as the requirements of the EU AI Act. AI competence is mandatory for everyone at Bittium, and you will lead by example in putting it into practice.

• Data-driven ways of working: You will drive the transition towards a more data-driven and scalable operating model, ensuring that decision-making and development priorities are based on reliable data.

• Your Background can be in tactical secure communications, telecommunications, electronics, industrial technology, medical technology or other demanding product development environments is relevant.

Other requirements

Because of the nature of Bittium's business and customer expectations, the person selected must be able to pass the security clearances carried out by the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo).

What we offer

At Bittium, you will have the opportunity to lead a highly skilled R&D organization and influence the future of advanced, mission-critical communication and security technologies. You will work closely with business leadership, contribute to strategic decisions and have a tangible impact on the performance, capabilities and future competitiveness of the Defence & Security business.

This is an opportunity for a leader who wants to combine deep technology understanding with meaningful responsibility for people, business and results.

ABOUT BITTIUM

Bittium specializes in the development of reliable, secure communications and connectivity solutions leveraging its 40-year legacy of expertise in advanced radio communication technologies.

From 1 January 2027, Bittium will merge its Defence & Security and Engineering Services business segments into a new Defence & Security segment. The change strengthens growth in the defence market and improves the company’s ability to serve customers throughout the full lifecycle of their products and systems. The new segment has two areas: Tactical Communications which provides tactical network and communication solutions for defence forces, and Intelligent Connectivity which provides cyber-secure communication and AI solutions as well as product development and lifecycle services.

This role focuses on services and software sales within Intelligent Connectivity business area. The focus is to deliver turnkey product development services and software solutions focusing on secure connectivity and embedded systems. Typical customers are leading OEM brands in Europe and Northern America, operating in verticals such as industrial IoT, defence & security and telecom.

Responsible consultants: Soili Nepponen (son@birn-partners.com) and Riitta Rautakoura