Head of Civil Innovation Directorate

Head of Civil Innovation Directorate | Lod, Central District | Israel Aerospace Industries

We are looking for a Head of Civil Innovation Directorate to join the Corporate Headquarters at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The position includes:

• Leading the identification and adaptation of technologies originally developed for defense applications to civilian markets

• Mapping business opportunities based on technologies with commercialization potential

• Establishing strategic partnerships with civilian clients, investors, and industry stakeholders

• Building and leading multidisciplinary teams to develop technology demonstrators and business ventures

• Driving capital acquisition processes and establishing new ventures

• Collaborating closely with the company’s CTO and Business Development divisions

• Representing IAI in Israel’s innovation ecosystem, including government agencies, venture capital funds, and private investors

What we are looking for:

Mandatory Requirements:

• Israeli citizenship – required

• B.Sc. in Exact Sciences, Industrial Engineering & Management, or Economics – required

• Proven experience in preparing business plans and/or familiarity with industrial technologies, preferably in the aerospace or defense sector – required

• At least 5 years of experience in the civilian industry and/or defense organizations – required

• Strong experience working with multiple stakeholders and complex organizational interfaces – required

• Excellent command of English (speaking, reading, and writing) – required

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Engineering or M.B.A. – advantage

• Experience working within Israel’s civilian innovation ecosystem (investors, corporations, and government bodies) – advantage

• Experience in financial control and budget management – advantage

• Experience in establishing start-up ventures, including IP management and taxation aspects – advantage

• Familiarity with regulatory processes (e.g., Israel Innovation Authority, Government Companies Authority) – advantage

• Experience preparing tenders and grant proposals for programs such as Horizon Europe or Israel Innovation Authority – advantage

• Experience serving as a board member or director – advantage

Leadership & Strategic Skills:

• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue opportunities

Application Deadline: December 14, 2025, at 16:00

Application Process:

Submission requires completion of the attached questionnaire and meeting all mandatory qualifications.

Qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews and, if required, to additional assessments.

By applying, candidates consent to undergo any necessary evaluations, including security clearance procedures.

The selection committee is not obligated to invite all applicants for interviews or recommend any specific candidate.

Applications are open to all genders.

Good to know:

We are looking for a visionary leader who thrives on creating new ventures, identifying opportunities, and building innovative companies across diverse industries.

If you are passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and impact — this is your chance to shape the future of civilian innovation at IAI.