Senior R&D Manager, Autonomy & Cockpit Automation – m/f/d

Honeywell Aerospace is looking for a senior technology leader to help shape the future of autonomous and automated systems for aviation and other safety-critical environments. Our European R&D organization develops early-stage technologies and matures them toward real-world applications, working with internal product teams as well as customers, suppliers, universities, research organizations and public funding partners.

We are seeking a Senior R&D manager to lead a department of 30+ engineers and scientists focused on autonomy, cockpit automation and human-centered automation. The team works on technologies that support future flight operations and other complex operational environments, including autonomous functions, reduced-crew operations, human-machine interaction, pilot and operator state monitoring, rapid prototyping, software-intensive systems and AI-enabled capabilities.

In this role, you will set the technical and organizational direction for the team, lead people and capability development, manage project priorities and budgets, and ensure that research outcomes are relevant, practical and ready to transition into product development or customer-facing demonstrations.

This is a hybrid role, 3 days at the office + 2 days work from home model.

• Lead, coach and develop a department of engineers and scientists working on autonomy, cockpit automation and related technology areas, including development of technical talent, future leaders and the engineering capabilities needed to mature technologies from concept toward product transition.
• Set department priorities, objectives and execution plans in line with business strategy and technology roadmaps; manage project portfolio execution, staffing, budgets, resource planning and key risks across internally funded and collaborative R&D activities.
• Work with business, product and engineering stakeholders to define technology scope, validate customer and operational relevance, and create transition paths from research and proof of concept into product development.
• Build and support collaboration with universities, research organizations, customers, suppliers and technology partners to accelerate innovation, strengthen technology maturation and identify partnership opportunities.
• Promote disciplined engineering execution, appropriate documentation, compliance with applicable processes and effective communication across functions and regions.

• University degree in engineering, computer science, robotics, automation, aerospace, avionics or another relevant technical field.
• Significant experience in engineering, R&D or product development in autonomy, automation, robotics, AI-enabled systems, avionics, aerospace or another complex software- or systems-intensive domain.
• Experience leading technical teams, projects or line organizations in a complex engineering environment.
• Clear communication style, including the ability to explain technical scope, priorities and trade-offs to different audiences.

We value

• Advanced degree, PhD or equivalent deep technical expertise in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with autonomy, automation, robotics, AI-enabled systems, human-machine interaction, decision-support systems or operator-assist technologies.
• Understanding of technology maturation, safety-critical development, certification or regulated product environments, and transition from research into product development.
• Experience with international collaboration, co-innovation projects, public funding frameworks or research partnerships.
• Ability to build relationships across business, engineering, technology and external partner organizations.

Our offer

• Enjoy 25 vacation days per year
• Meal allowance
• Benefit Plus Cafeteria Card available to all employees
• To promote health and wellbeing we provide life insurance coverage, employer contribution to Pension saving scheme or long-term investment product (DIP)
• Multisport Card, Makro Card, discount at T-Mobile tariffs and multiple discount programs in our partner network
• Flexible working hours with 3+ hybrid work arrangement to support your work-life balance
• Work in international environment
• Recognition & Referral bonus programs
• Employee Assistance Program - Free and confidential service to help with any difficulties regarding work, life and personal or family matters
• Honeywell Learning & Development Center – learning platform with over 10,000 courses from Udemy
• Frequent Employee Engagement activities fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment
• Global employee networks to help you connect and grow
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and development to set you up for success, in-house and external learning platforms supporting development opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity

#LI-Hybrid

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace, we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space. We operate through three business areas:

• Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology on board 90% of the world's aircraft

• Engines & Power Systems provides the propulsion, auxiliary power and electrical systems that keep those aircraft flying

• Control Systems supplies the thermal and motion control systems that support takeoff, landing and the safety of everyone on board

With approximately 58,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, we are also advancing systems for autonomous and supersonic platforms — bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com