VP Engineering Jobs in Rhode Island
VP Engineering jobs in Rhode Island are concentrated in defense technology, healthcare IT, and advanced manufacturing, with the state's compact geography keeping most senior roles anchored in Providence, Woonsocket, and the greater Cranston corridor. Longtime Rhode Island employers such as Raytheon Technologies, Lifespan Health System, and Textron consistently seek engineering leaders to oversee product development and technical strategy. The most in-demand specialties right now are systems engineering leadership, embedded software development, and operational technology transformation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 13+ VP Engineering jobs
Work type: Full Time
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Categories: Administration, Information Technology, Staff/Administration, Calendar Year (12-Month), Campus Based
About Johnson & Wales University
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online. An innovative educational leader, the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, hospitality, food innovation, and health and wellness. JWU’s unique model of education provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 130 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.
Strategic Vision
JWU’s 10-year strategic plan, known as the Powered By Series has three components spanning that time frame. The second of the series, Powered By Possibility 2027, underscores our dedication to an education rooted in excellence, strengthening industry connections, enhancing our institutional foundation and fostering a culture that elevates our mission.
Leadership Opportunity for Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
The university is seeking an exceptional executive to serve as its next Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer (CIO), a forward-thinking, strategic leader who will shape the institution’s digital future. Reporting to the University Chancellor and serving as a member of the university’s Cabinet, this is a high‑impact role for a visionary who thrives at the intersection of technology strategy, data innovation, and organizational transformation.
The CIO will shape and execute a comprehensive digital strategy, partnering closely with academic, student, and administrative leaders to advance the university’s mission. This executive will guide major enterprise technology investments, champion modernization and analytics initiatives, and bring forward emerging technologies, including AI-enabled solutions, to elevate academic excellence and operational performance.
A critical component of the role includes leading the university’s cybersecurity governance and data‑risk strategy, ensuring strong protection of institutional assets while enabling digital transformation and compliance.
The CIO will cultivate a high‑performing, service-driven IT team, leading process improvements that streamline operations. The CIO will also shape strategic vendor partnerships that accelerate innovation and optimize technology investments. A core responsibility for this role is delivering data-informed insights that support decision-making to enhance how students, faculty, and staff engage with technology across the university.
This is a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation—advancing a mission‑driven institution and making a lasting impact on its future.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Significant experience in strategic planning and execution of strategic initiatives, business processes, information technology and executive leadership
Demonstrated ability to assess opportunities, risks, and organizational implications of emerging technologies, including AI, and guide responsible implementation
Experience successfully leading digital transformation, including AI enabled technologies and the ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, operational effectiveness, communication, and service delivery
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical problem-solving abilities
Proven record of innovation and awareness of emerging higher‑education technology trends
Demonstrated success collaborating across multiple business units
Demonstrated skills in the identification of process improvement targets and the application of technology to optimize processes
JWU offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits.
Application Process
Nominations, referrals, and requests for additional information should be directed to the director of employee recruitment, Karen.Almond@jwu.edu. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials through the JWU Employment Website as soon as possible.
Johnson & Wales University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected class. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, military service, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Advertised: 08 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Work type: Full Time
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Categories: Administration, Information Technology, Staff/Administration, Calendar Year (12-Month), Campus Based
About Johnson & Wales University
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online. An innovative educational leader, the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, hospitality, food innovation, and health and wellness. JWU’s unique model of education provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 130 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.
Strategic Vision
JWU’s 10-year strategic plan, known as the Powered By Series has three components spanning that time frame. The second of the series, Powered By Possibility 2027, underscores our dedication to an education rooted in excellence, strengthening industry connections, enhancing our institutional foundation and fostering a culture that elevates our mission.
Leadership Opportunity for Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
The university is seeking an exceptional executive to serve as its next Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer (CIO), a forward-thinking, strategic leader who will shape the institution’s digital future. Reporting to the University Chancellor and serving as a member of the university’s Cabinet, this is a high‑impact role for a visionary who thrives at the intersection of technology strategy, data innovation, and organizational transformation.
The CIO will shape and execute a comprehensive digital strategy, partnering closely with academic, student, and administrative leaders to advance the university’s mission. This executive will guide major enterprise technology investments, champion modernization and analytics initiatives, and bring forward emerging technologies, including AI-enabled solutions, to elevate academic excellence and operational performance.
A critical component of the role includes leading the university’s cybersecurity governance and data‑risk strategy, ensuring strong protection of institutional assets while enabling digital transformation and compliance.
The CIO will cultivate a high‑performing, service-driven IT team, leading process improvements that streamline operations. The CIO will also shape strategic vendor partnerships that accelerate innovation and optimize technology investments. A core responsibility for this role is delivering data-informed insights that support decision-making to enhance how students, faculty, and staff engage with technology across the university.
This is a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation—advancing a mission‑driven institution and making a lasting impact on its future.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Significant experience in strategic planning and execution of strategic initiatives, business processes, information technology and executive leadership
Demonstrated ability to assess opportunities, risks, and organizational implications of emerging technologies, including AI, and guide responsible implementation
Experience successfully leading digital transformation, including AI enabled technologies and the ability to effectively utilize emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, operational effectiveness, communication, and service delivery
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical problem-solving abilities
Proven record of innovation and awareness of emerging higher‑education technology trends
Demonstrated success collaborating across multiple business units
Demonstrated skills in the identification of process improvement targets and the application of technology to optimize processes
JWU offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and competitive benefits.
Application Process
Nominations, referrals, and requests for additional information should be directed to the director of employee recruitment, Karen.Almond@jwu.edu. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials through the JWU Employment Website as soon as possible.
Johnson & Wales University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected class. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, military service, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Advertised: 08 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
See All 13 VP Engineering Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find VP Engineering JobsVP Engineering Jobs by City in Rhode Island
Where Rhode Island roles are concentrated, by current openings.
VP Engineering Job Market in Rhode Island
A snapshot from current Rhode Island openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Rhode Island Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in VP engineering jobs across Rhode Island.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience including senior leadership responsibility
- Proven experience building and managing engineering teams of fifteen or more people
- Deep expertise in product development lifecycle, systems architecture, or technical program management
- Experience collaborating with C-suite executives on technology roadmap and capital planning decisions
- Familiarity with defense, healthcare, or advanced manufacturing industry standards common in Rhode Island
VP Engineering Jobs in Rhode Island: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a vp engineering in Rhode Island?
The path to a vp engineering role in Rhode Island typically starts with a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science followed by a master's, which Providence-area universities like Brown and URI offer for working professionals. Rhode Island does not require a state-issued license for most VP Engineering positions, but engineers signing off on public infrastructure work may need a Professional Engineer license through the Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Most candidates reach the VP level after building a record in senior engineering management roles within defense, healthcare IT, or manufacturing firms.
Which companies hire vp engineerings in Rhode Island?
Employers hiring vp engineerings in Rhode Island right now include JPMorganChase, Fidelity Investments, and BD, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Rhode Island's defense technology and healthcare sectors drive the bulk of these openings, with additional demand from advanced manufacturing firms concentrated in the Providence metropolitan area and along the Route 146 corridor.
Which Rhode Island cities have the most vp engineering jobs?
Providence, Barrington, and Smithfield account for the largest share of vp engineering openings in Rhode Island. Providence anchors the market as the state's commercial and healthcare hub, drawing demand from hospital systems and tech employers downtown, while Woonsocket and Cranston contribute openings tied to manufacturing headquarters and defense contractors that have maintained long-term facilities in those communities.
Are there remote vp engineering jobs in Rhode Island?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 25% of vp engineering openings tied to Rhode Island are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the desk-based and strategic nature of the role. The responsibilities most likely to stay fully remote are technical roadmap planning, team leadership, and vendor management, while roles tied to physical product development or defense facility oversight are more likely to require on-site presence in Rhode Island.
How can I get hired as a vp engineering in Rhode Island with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path for candidates without VP-level experience is moving up through director or senior engineering manager roles at Rhode Island employers such as Raytheon Technologies or Lifespan Health System, both of which promote internal talent into leadership positions. Engineering leadership development programs at larger defense and healthcare organizations in Providence and Woonsocket offer structured advancement tracks. Building expertise in a specialty area like systems architecture or clinical informatics, combined with a Professional Engineer credential through the Rhode Island State Board, strengthens a candidate's case for that first VP promotion.
Where can I find and apply to vp engineering jobs in Rhode Island?
You can find and apply to vp engineering jobs in Rhode Island on Migrate Mate, which lists current Rhode Island openings updated in real time. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and location preferences, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 13 VP Engineering Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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