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Head of Engineering - Space & Defense

NOKIA
.
life insurance, paid time off, tuition assistance
United States, California, Sunnyvale
520 Almanor Avenue (Show on map)
Jul 23, 2025

Nokia Space and Defense exists to build the networks that modern defense demands. We deliver secure, reliable, resilient networks to NATO and allied nations globally and across all domains. Backed by Nokia Bell Labs and over a century of innovation, we're solving complex challenges with innovative solutions that revolutionize defense communications. Join us and become part of a teampioneering next-generation connectivity across some of the most complex and mission-critical environments.

The S&D Engineering organization includes individuals and teams performing various functions currently in Naperville, Krakow, Paris, Dallas and Espoo. These functions include Hardware and Software development and integration, Verification, external Demonstration of product and prototype solutions, and all Program management, Operations, and Quality functions in support of these objectives.

One key objective of the S&D Engineering team is to enable MN technology and assets for the Space and Defense markets. Typically, this involves modification or augmentation of hardware or software coming from the MN Commercial roadmap, for a market-specific application. One such example would be modifying the MN commercial Baseband software to enable 3GPP technology for a LEO satellite network supporting Direct to Device connectivity. Another example would be combining MN Small Cells assets and a 3GPP Core and a Local Management solution created by S&D into a backpack "3GPP Network-in-a-box" for Defense expeditionary use-cases.

As such the S&D Engineering team is heavily engaged and dependent on MN RAN roadmaps and deliverables and work partners and processes (MN CREATE) for both hardware and software programs and deliverables. S&D current WoW is a tailored version of MN RAN WoW, with changes driven by the unique nature of the Space and Defense markets and the current state of the organization in an "incubation" mode.

The S&D Engineering team also is responsible to drive prototype creation and demonstration in EU and US markets, as part of the overall Business Development objective for the Defense sector. This prototype development/demonstration process includes capture of Customer requirements through delivery of a working solution to demonstrate an agreed use-case.

The products created by this team are built on assets created by other teams plus own assets. Today the asset sources external to S&D Engineering come from MN RAN, S&D AiO, and NFS/Fenix. Internal assets include a 3GPP Tactical Core, Local Management solution, and Edge Compute platform, as well as various hardware solutions enabling Tactical 5G for Defense.

SD2025


  • Minimum 15 years Global Engineering organization management experience, including 2- or 3-level organizations across multiple time zones.
  • Working knowledge of 3GPP Core, RAN, and Device technologies preferred.
  • MN CREATE and MN WoW experience highly desirable.
  • Excellent interpersonal and networking capabilities & skills required.

Come create the technology that helps the world act together

Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people's lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world.
We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work

What we offer

Nokia offers continuous learning opportunities, well-being programs to support you mentally and physically, opportunities to join and get supported by employee resource groups, mentoring programs and highly diverse teams with an inclusive culture where people thrive and are empowered.

Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer

Nokia has received the following recognitions for its commitment to inclusion & equality:



  • One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere
  • Gender-Equality Index by Bloomberg
  • Workplace Pride Global Benchmark


At Nokia, we act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Nokia's employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
Join us and be part of a company where you will feel included and empowered to succeed.

Additional Information

US/Canada Nokia Offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes but is not limited to:


  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay
  • Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
  • Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program


The above benefits exclude students.
Disclaimer for US/Canada

Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity.( Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role)

All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.
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