Senior Engineering Manager, Systems Engineering

CesiumAstro; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock options

Health, dental, vision benefits

Life and retirement plans

Job summary

CesiumAstro in Austin, Texas is seeking a Senior Manager of Systems Engineering to lead the Systems Engineering team in developing advanced communication systems for space applications. The role involves managing a team, ensuring project milestones are met, and integrating system performance requirements. A Master's or Doctorate degree in engineering with over 11 years of experience is required. Benefits include stock options and a comprehensive health package.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of experience in space communications.
• 6+ years of experience in technical lead or people-management roles.
• Experience with satellite-communications standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of skilled Systems Engineers and foster innovation.
• Drive accountability and ensure milestones are met.
• Promote engagement of company culture within the team.

Skills

Technical communication skills

Leadership and mentoring

Project management

Problem-solving

Working under pressure

Education

Master’s or Doctorate degree in applicable engineering discipline

Job description

To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out‑of‑the‑box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross‑functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands‑on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward‑thinking individuals to join our team.

This senior manager is responsible for functional management of the Systems Engineering department by developing standard processes for system engineering such as requirements management, verification and validation plans, conceptual design, and all aspects of the Systems Engineering Lifecycle. The selected candidate will manage the deployment of resources to programs, develop and maintain processes, interface with customers, mentor and evaluate performance, coordinate activities, and support career development of department members.

The Senior Manager of Systems Engineering leads the Systems Engineering team in developing complex, state‑of‑the‑art space vehicles and payload systems for space and airborne applications. The team works in close collaboration with business development, conceptual design, and other functional engineering teams on architecture concepts and enabling technologies for communications systems. The team leads requirements definition and decomposition, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, verification planning, and risk assessment. Systems Engineering also serves as the primary technical contact with customers and Program Management on active programs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a team of skilled Systems Engineers fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Provide employees with task assignments, help employees connect their efforts to the bigger picture, and create an inclusive work environment characterized by mutual respect and valuing differences.
• Drive accountability ensuring that milestones are met and that customer expectations for quality and delivery are satisfied.
• Set clear performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations to support professional growth within the team.
• Partner with recruitment to ensure staffing goals are met in support of business growth.
• Ensure necessary training and certification programs align with business and employee development needs.
• Promote engagement of company culture and values within the Systems Engineering team.
• Evaluate customer and operational needs to define system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters, and ensure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
• Support reviews of requests for proposals to support solution development and response.
• Manage the process for requirements definition and decomposition, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, verification planning, and risk assessment.
• Develop designs and conduct research that result in new requirements management methodologies or unique approaches that mitigate assessment and review findings.
• Lead efforts in developing system engineering processes for requirements management, flowdown, and traceability.
• Define the company methodology and baseline set of technical documents for our programs and products.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in an applicable engineering discipline.
• 11+ years of experience in the field of space communications.
• 6+ years of experience in technical lead or people‑management roles.
• Experience with and understanding of satellite‑communications standards (NR NTN, DVB‑S2x, CCSDS).
• Experience working with product or component developers and vendors who provide critical functionality to the overall system.
• Excellent written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Ability to define work direction, track milestones, and demonstrate progress on large open‑ended projects.
• Sense of urgency and the ability to convey priorities and motivate the team.
• Work well under pressure and with competing priorities.
• Take initiative and enjoy implementing new processes and procedures.
• Ability to work well in teams, with peers, and management.
• Natural ability to lead and mentor others and enjoy creating a collaborative, inventive, and high‑energy dynamic environment.
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. government security clearance.

Full‑time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package featuring health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms.