Engineering Manager

CubeSpace ADCS; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 120 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead a dynamic team in the development of cutting-edge satellite control systems. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise, ensuring that engineering initiatives align with the company's long-term vision. You will foster an inclusive culture, drive innovation, and manage complex projects while collaborating closely with senior leadership. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology and make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Health Insurance

Team Building Activities

Remote Work Options

Performance Bonuses

Qualifications

• 7+ years in engineering management, ideally in satellite systems.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers to develop satellite control systems.
• Oversee full product lifecycle from design to operational deployment.

Skills

Engineering Management

Project Management

Systems Engineering

Technical Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Agile Methodologies

Stage-Gate Process

Job description

Overview:

As the Engineering Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, mechatronic, electronic, and software engineers to design and develop satellite control system products. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on technical leadership. You will guide R&D initiatives, shape the product roadmap in partnership with senior leadership, and ensure on-time, high-quality delivery of satellite projects that align with company objectives. The Engineering Manager forms part of the company’s steering committee and reports to the Head of Technology (an ExCo member). We seek someone with both technical and managerial/leadership skills, with the potential to grow into a more senior executive role in the medium term.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Objective Delivery:

• Align Engineering Goals: Ensure that the satellite control systems team is focused on the company’s long-term strategic objectives and product vision.
• Systems Engineering Approach: Apply a holistic, systems-level perspective to integrate mechanical, mechatronic, electronic, and software components into cohesive satellite control solutions.
• Project & Product Lifecycle: Oversee the full lifecycle of high-tech product development, from initial design and prototyping to production and operational deployment, balancing technical rigor with business priorities.
• Collaboration with Senior Leadership: Work closely with the Executive Committee to define and track Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), ensuring engineering outputs meet broader business goals.
• Innovation & Future Readiness: Identify and prioritize opportunities for innovation in satellite control systems to stay ahead of market demands.
• Risk & Change Management: Manage project risks, troubleshoot technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring strategic decisions are data-driven and supported by stakeholder buy-in.
• Optimize Processes: Develop and implement engineering strategies to enhance processes, resource utilization, and timelines, ensuring projects are delivered within budget and meet the highest technical standards.

Team Leadership and Structure:

• Build & Organize the Team: Lead, motivate, and structure a diverse engineering organization, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and workflows are optimized.
• Inclusive Culture: Foster a collaborative environment where all engineers can thrive, promoting psychological safety, knowledge sharing, and ongoing professional development.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Provide regular feedback, coaching, and mentoring to team members, supporting their technical growth and leadership capabilities.
• Performance Management: Oversee performance reviews and development plans, aligning individual and team objectives with the company’s broader strategic goals.
• Champion Diversity: Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices, team structure, and daily interactions to build a more innovative and supportive culture.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with departments such as Quality Assurance, Product Management, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless integration of engineering deliverables.

Project Management and Delivery: (In collaboration with project manager)

• Methodologies & Frameworks: Support the adoption of suitable project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate, or hybrid) to improve engineering processes and deliver high-quality satellite control systems on schedule.
• Role Clarity: Work in tandem with the Project Manager, with the Engineering Manager focusing on technical leadership, resource allocation, and technical risk mitigation, while the Project Manager handles day-to-day scheduling, documentation, and stakeholder updates.
• Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Ensure efficient use of technical resources, balancing competing demands across mechanical, mechatronic, electronic, and software disciplines.
• Testing & Integration: Oversee system-level testing and integration, ensuring all engineering aspects meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Documentation & Reporting: Guide the team in preparing comprehensive technical documentation, project plans, and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Metrics and Continuous Improvement:

• Performance Tracking: Collaborate with leadership to develop and monitor engineering metrics—such as budget adherence, time-to-market, system reliability, and overall mission success rates.
• Data-Driven Improvements: Use quantitative and qualitative insights to refine engineering methods, optimize production pipelines, and implement new processes that mitigate risk.
• Knowledge Sharing: Cultivate an environment of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging retrospective analysis and the adoption of best practices across engineering disciplines.

Key/Ideal Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent professional experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years’ experience in engineering management or a senior technical leadership role, ideally in satellite systems, space technology, or other highly complex, high-tech industries.
• Multidisciplinary Leadership: Proven track record of leading teams of mechanical, mechatronic, electronic, and software engineers in delivering complex systems, demonstrating a strong systems engineering mindset.
• Technical Expertise: Solid understanding of satellite control systems, including hardware-software integration for mission-critical applications.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate company objectives into engineering initiatives, setting and monitoring relevant OKRs.
• Project Management Skills: Experience managing complex engineering projects from concept to deployment, with proficiency in resource planning and risk mitigation.
• Change Management: Demonstrated success in driving organizational change, implementing new processes, and securing stakeholder buy-in.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal skills, including the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and senior executives.
• Industry Standards & Regulations: Familiarity with relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, ECSS) and regulatory requirements for satellite systems or aerospace applications.