Executive Chief Technology Officer, Defense & Systems

Job Description Summary

The Executive Chief Technology Officer, Defense & Systems will serve as the technology leader for GE Aerospace's Defense & Systems (D&S) division. This division comprises Defense Engines & Services, Edison Works, Avionics, and Electric Power P&Ls. This leader will be responsible for the end-to-end information technology strategy for the business, serving as a key member of the Defense & Systems Digital Technology leadership team. The role ensures that the technology strategy aligns with business growth plans and effectively enables efficiency and productivity.

At GE Aerospace, we innovate the future of flight, supporting over 40K commercial and 20K military engines globally. The Defense & Systems business is vital to the overall GE Aerospace growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a long-term technology roadmap for the Defense & Systems division, aligned with business objectives and supporting rapid growth across classified and unclassified programs for all four P&Ls.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with key government stakeholders, primes, and program offices to understand emerging needs and shape future capabilities.
• Partner with GE teams including Security, Internal Audit, Information Assurance, Programs, and Government Relations to ensure a technology strategy that meets customer requirements and enables efficient D&S business operations.
• Lead strategic planning and execution of modernization initiatives for unclassified and classified IT infrastructure, ensuring government regulation compliance and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Design and implement a comprehensive data strategy supporting both classified and unclassified programs, ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable data management, including cross-domain data transfer systems.
• Accountable for IT systems and process compliance with defense sector regulations such as ITAR, DFARS, NIST 800-171, CMMC, JSIG, and NISPOM.
• Champion the use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance decision-making and operational capabilities across programs.
• Lead technology modernization strategy for unclassified, special access, and restricted programs, ensuring alignment with customer objectives and compliance requirements.
• Inspire and mentor technical talent, fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, and accountability.
• Recruit, develop, and retain defense IT and cyber personnel to build a world-class digital technology team.
• Lead research, advanced development, and technology maturation efforts across a diverse portfolio in Defense Engines & Services, Edison Works, Avionics, and Electric Power.
• Balance and prioritize reliability and mission assurance over the adoption of bleeding-edge trends.
• Partner with Operating Leaders to define a business architecture enabled by new technologies.
• Create and sustain a high-op-tempo environment despite NPI program pressures.
• Serve as a model practitioner of Lean, coaching the organization on Lean culture, tools, behaviors, and operating models.
• Act as a key leader of the Defense & Systems Digital Technology leadership team, advocating for the advancement of the Digital Technology function.
• Balance the financial and operational commitments of the Defense & Systems organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum of 12 years of professional experience OR Associate’s degree with a minimum of 15 years of professional experience OR High School Diploma with a minimum of 17 years of professional experience.
• Minimum 9 years of professional experience in Technical Product Management or IT.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience as a People Leader.
• US Citizenship is required due to the nature of projects.
• Ability to secure and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.

Desired Skills

• Deep expertise in defense sector regulatory compliance: ITAR, DFARS, NIST 800-171, CMMC, JSIG, NISPOM.
• Experience engaging with government agencies to align technology strategies with mission objectives.
• Strong understanding of defense contracting processes and requirements.
• Proven ability to implement and oversee advanced cybersecurity measures for classified and unclassified environments.
• Experience successfully leading secure IT transformation initiatives (infrastructure, data platform, manufacturing technology, digital thread/MBE modernization).
• Proficiency in leveraging AI, machine learning, and data analytics for defense applications.
• Proven leadership in recruiting, developing, and retaining top IT personnel.
• Ability to drive a culture thriving under high scrutiny and national security imperatives while fostering innovation and trust.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key skills/competency

• Technology Strategy
• Defense Sector Regulations
• IT Infrastructure Modernization
• Data Strategy & Management
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Lean Principles
• People Leadership
• Government Stakeholder Engagement