Innovation Manager

We’re inventing the future, right here, right now, at Thales. We design the critical security solutions of tomorrow by combining the curiosity to explore, the intelligence to question and the vision to create. Together we solve complicated problems by combining our experience in the market with our leading research and development capabilities.

**Innovation Manager**

At Thales Australia, we research, develop, and supply technology and services in the aerospace, transportation, defence and security space. Our work impacts the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We are one of the leading innovative engineering and technology companies in Australia doing things that most companies would never be exposed to.

Thales Australia’s Airspace Mobility Solutions (AMS) business is providing leading edge airspace control and security solutions for the commercial and defence sectors, as well as digital solutions for Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and Digital Aviation.

Thales' Airspace Mobility Solutions business manages 11% of the worlds’ airspace and is the global leader in Air Traffic Management.

**About the Role**

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for an Innovation Manager at Thales Australia. The Innovation Manager is part of the Technical Directorate and is responsible for managing the CASIA (Centre for Advanced Studies in ATM [Air Traffic Management]) facility and the Self-funded In-house Innovation activities of AMS. The position requires someone who is passionate about leading Thales Australia to the forefront of development and solutions for Airspace Mobility Solutions globally; who pursues innovation naturally and who can also enthuse a small research and development team.

Along with your drive for innovation and intrapreneurship, to be successful in this role you will have solid industry experience and aviation knowledge. Backed up with strong communication skills and a prowess for marketing Thales Australia to visiting dignitaries and high-profile customers. You are also organised and diligent with an understanding of finances, budgetary and reporting requirements.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Manage the R&D projects operating within the CASIA Lab and defined in the Research & Technology (R&T) Plan within the approved budgets and in close collaboration with the global AMS BL
- Manage the day to day workload and activities for any interns employed and Thales staff (e.g. Technical Lead, Integrators) seconded to support the R&D projects
- Provide presentations and/or demonstrations of innovation activities being performed within CASIA, or at industry trade shows, to visiting customers or dignitaries as required
- Report monthly on the financial and technical status of the projects. Support the PMO in the annual R&D Tax Offset claim
- Manage the CASIA facility (laboratory and showroom)
- Plan and oversee approved CAPEX investment together with Finance
- Foster Organisational Innovation, including planning and executing ShipIt innovation hackathons
- Support initiatives led by the leadership team to secure state and/or federal government funding

**Skills and Experience**:

- 5 years minimum experience holding senior positions in aviation/engineering/computing/ and/or technical/scientific research
- General knowledge of the Air Traffic Management domain and the underlying and emerging technologies
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Tertiary qualification (degree/diploma) in an industry discipline (Air Traffic Control, Aviation Human Factors, Aviation Business Management, Industrial Psychology), technical discipline (Engineering, Computer Science, IT) or
- Tertiary qualification (degree/diploma) in the hard sciences (Mathematics, Physics) or
- Demonstrated Subject Matter Expertise gained via significant and relevant industry experience

Wellbeing matters at Thales, and where possible we encourage flexible working.