Systems Engineering Manager

Aitech Defense Systems is renowned for its innovation in rugged embedded systems, designed to operate reliably in the challenging environments of military, defense, aerospace, and space applications. Founded in 1983, Aitech has a rich history of pioneering advancements such as the world’s first conduction-cooled MIL-SPEC VMEbus board and has continually evolved its product line to include state-of-the-art SBCs, GPGPU-based AI applications, and advanced cybersecurity for mission-critical systems.

 Joining us means you’ll be working at the forefront of technology with projects that span across land, sea, air, and space, supporting some of the top prime contractors in the industry. This opportunity will allow you to contribute to groundbreaking projects and push the boundaries of embedded computing technology!

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Engineering Manager to lead the development, integration, and qualification of rugged embedded systems for demanding aerospace and defense applications. Reporting directly to the Chief Delivery Officer, this position is responsible for driving technical excellence and engineering execution across the full system lifecycle — from requirements and architecture through verification and delivery — spanning both hardware and software domains.

The successful candidate will lead the Systems Engineering team, fostering collaboration with Software Engineering, Program Management, Production, and Operations teams to ensure program success. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in aerospace system design, certification standards, and lifecycle processes, combined with strong leadership, communication, and process improvement skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & System Development

• Lead Systems and Software Engineers, Technical Leads, Operations, and Program Managers supporting embedded systems development and production for space and military/aerospace programs.
• Define system requirements, design architectures, develop Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and lead system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and qualification activities.
• Manage critical development lifecycle milestones, including Systems Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), Critical Design Review (CDR), Stage of Involvement (SOI), and Production Readiness Review (PRR).

Project & Program Management

• Collaborate with PMO to manage project schedules, budgets, and resources, ensuring timely and successful delivery of aerospace systems and products.
• Facilitate Technical Interchange Meetings (TIM), Engineering Management Reviews (EMR), and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to communicate project progress and resolve challenges.
• Manage system requirements and ICD traceability to ensure compliance with program and regulatory standards.
• Identify, assess, and manage technical risks and opportunities; escalate critical issues as necessary.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and nurture a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive team through mentoring, career development, training, and engagement initiatives.
• Manage workforce planning, including staffing assignments, recruiting, interviewing, and forecasting to meet program needs.
• Administer performance management processes, including evaluations and corrective actions.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Champion continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance engineering quality, efficiency, and product excellence.
• Implement and manage tools and methodologies that drive engineering best practices and compliance.

Business Support & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposal preparation, customer interfacing, and technical publications such as white papers.
• Provide technical support to customers and internal departments as required.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 a year. 

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

• At least 10 years of management and team leadership experience in aerospace and defense industries.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in system design and development within aerospace, space, or defense sectors.
• Proven leadership managing teams working on embedded systems for military/aerospace programs.
• Familiarity with aerospace lifecycle processes and milestone reviews, including SRR, PDR, TRR, CDR, SOI, and PRR.
• Deep understanding of aerospace certification standards and design assurance processes, including DO-254, DO-178C, AS9100, ARP4754, ARP4761, and ARP4754.
• Knowledge of aerospace safety assessment and systems development processes.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-STD-810, DO-160, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-217.
• Expertise with aerospace, defense, and space communication protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical risks and lead cross-functional collaboration effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience supporting proposal development, customer interactions, and technical documentation.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a proven track record driving continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S Person
• This is an on-site position.

Preferred Attributes:

• Respectful, accountable, and supportive leader passionate about delivering high-quality aerospace solutions.
• Creative problem solver who proactively seeks to exceed customer expectations.
• Adaptable and flexible in managing change and championing innovation.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical and financial considerations.