Sr. Manager (Software Systems Engineering)

Accountabilities:

Lead and manage the Software Systems Engineering team across multiple concurrent programs and development phases, including proposal development, design, implementation, verification, delivery, and on-orbit support.
Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for software systems engineering activities, ensuring alignment with program objectives, technical requirements, and mission needs.
Oversee the development and maintenance of Software Design Architecture Requirement Documents and related engineering specifications.
Establish and manage requirements traceability, decomposition, allocation, and flow-down processes throughout the systems engineering lifecycle.
Lead the development of system use cases, software specifications, functional specifications, and architectural documentation.
Direct software and system-level verification planning, ensuring that requirements are properly validated and that verification activities meet program standards.
Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of flight hardware issues, software-related challenges, and anomalies identified during testing and integration.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve software systems engineering tools, processes, methodologies, and best practices.
Drive multiple engineering design activities across different programs and missions, ensuring effective resource allocation, technical coordination, and timely execution.
Lead cross-functional teams in planning, coordination, and task execution, maintaining close collaboration with program managers and engineering stakeholders.
Provide autonomous solutions to complex technical challenges through direct engineering involvement, delegation, and effective team management.
Perform and oversee systems engineering activities required to develop, maintain, and evolve spacecraft products and execute long-term product development roadmaps.
Contribute technical and strategic input to new business capture activities, including future program opportunities and proposal development.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen engineering performance, product quality, and mission execution.
Mentor and develop engineering professionals, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or a related scientific discipline. A Master's degree in a relevant STEM field is preferred.
At least 20 years of relevant professional experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 18 years with a Master's degree.
Extensive experience working with aerospace hardware and software systems throughout the complete engineering lifecycle, including conceptual design, trade studies, detailed design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing, deployment, and operations.
Proven experience managing engineering professionals and leading multidisciplinary technical teams across complex aerospace or space technology programs.
Expert understanding of space mission architectures, including launch systems, flight operations, mission concepts of operations (CONOPS), and user interfaces.
Strong expertise in systems architecture design, development, and validation, including software specification development, functional specification definition, and verification planning.
Hands-on experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or comparable platforms.
Extensive knowledge of systems architecture, requirements definition, decomposition, allocation, verification, and validation methodologies, including Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrices.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects, manage competing priorities, and coordinate engineering activities across multiple programs.
Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodologies, including associated tools, workflows, and project management practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively across all organizational levels.
Strong leadership, delegation, mentoring, and team-building capabilities, with experience motivating multidisciplinary teams toward shared objectives.
Ability to work effectively in multicultural, cross-functional, and fast-paced technical environments.
Flexible, proactive, and adaptable approach, combined with strong initiative, sound judgment, and a results-oriented mindset.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality engineering outcomes while maintaining accountability for technical and organizational performance.
US Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. An active Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance at Secret level or above is highly desirable.
Willingness to travel periodically, representing less than 20% of working time, to US facilities and partner locations, with occasional international travel to collaborate with European engineering teams.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working at a computer, as well as occasionally lifting or carrying equipment and materials weighing up to 40 lbs.
Candidates must have current US work authorization, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position unless explicitly specified.
Benefits:
Comprehensive medical insurance.
Dental and vision insurance.
Prescription drug coverage.
Healthcare advocacy services.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Basic and voluntary life insurance.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary accident and critical illness insurance.
Identity theft and fraud resolution coverage.
Legal plan insurance.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Travel assistance and International SOS coverage.
Paid vacation and personal time off.
Paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for professional development.
Eligibility for bonuses.
Fully remote working opportunities for eligible candidates across the United States, subject to approved work locations.
Preferred work locations in Arlington, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; and Merritt Island, Florida.
Opportunity to lead advanced software systems engineering initiatives within the aerospace and space technology sectors.
Exposure to complex satellite and spacecraft development programs and innovative engineering challenges.
Opportunities to influence technical strategy, shape product development roadmaps, and contribute to future business growth.
Collaborative and inclusive working environment that supports career development and technical excellence.