Manager Engineering

Twenty-Six Defense•Fort Worth, TX

139d

About The Position

The Manager of Systems Engineering serves in a dual capacity as the lead Systems Engineer and direct people manager for the Systems Engineering team. The role covers requirements analysis and management, technical planning, systems-level design, integration, verification and validation, cost and risk management, and supportability and effectiveness analyses across the product lifecycle—from concept and design through prototyping, testing, installation, operation, and sustainment. As technical lead, the Manager guides development of defense systems and components within System and Integrated Product Teams, ensuring architectures, requirements, and engineering decisions align with mission and customer needs. As people leader, the Manager directly supervises staff within the business unit and ensures products and services respond to customer requirements. The Manager executes the strategic plan by achieving objectives for quality, process improvement, resource planning, and financial performance for assigned programs. The position is usually conducted in an office at least 3–4 days a week and requires domestic and/or international travel of 10–15% to support projects. The successful candidate must be a U.S. Person and eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electro-optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering.
10+ years of systems engineering experience and ability to demonstrate the principal responsibilities described for the role.
Must be a U.S. Person and eligible to obtain a security clearance.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions and work independently or as part of a team.
Ability to approach technical problems logically and scientifically.
Flexibility to manage multiple priorities and work for short to moderate periods without direct supervision.
High self-motivation and ability to work in both team and individual environments.
Successful experience managing a project and/or engineering team in a for-profit company.
Ability to implement product or service goals and monitor progress.
Ability to provide accurate customer information, meet commitments, identify appropriate solutions or services, and adapt services based on feedback.
Understanding of program and project management through lean manufacturing and sound supply chain management.
Understanding of quality systems and their effect on work quality.
Computer skills, including use of electronic information to support timely decisions.
Ability to manage product or service staff to achieve business results and solve technical or administrative problems through teamwork.
Recognized leadership ability and willingness to take initiative, learn, and improve.
Ability to maintain appropriate workplace confidentiality and treat supervisors, employees, and peers with respect.
Honesty regarding company time and property, and willingness to accept help from supervisors, employees, and peers.
Ability to learn the organization’s products or services and communicate suggestions and critical feedback to department and senior management.
Knowledge of the defense and military industry, including some knowledge of the customer base for the assigned product.
Ability to calculate product costs and prices using accounting fundamentals, including profit-and-loss calculations.
Ability to choose actions that support the team and accomplish work tasks.
Ability to adapt plans, goals, actions, and priorities in response to changing or unexpected situations.
Ability to use different approaches to solve problems, evaluate outcomes, identify when alternatives are needed, and capture lessons learned.
Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally 10–15% to support projects.

Nice To Haves

Former military experience in aerospace, avionics, naval, or ground systems.
Existing security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead full-lifecycle systems engineering activities, including requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, and validation.
Oversee system concept development, design, prototyping, testing, installation, fielding, and sustainment.
Transition advanced technologies from research and development and early concepts into production baselines and operational systems.
Direct and support software and hardware integration, including hands-on troubleshooting of complex multifunctional systems.
Apply technical expertise across avionics, ground combat systems, vehicle architectures, mission systems, and survivability subsystems.
Develop system-level requirements, CONOPS, mission needs, and interface definitions aligned with customer objectives.
Produce, review, and approve system documentation, including specifications, standards, safety artifacts, test plans, and procedures.
Use Model-Based Systems Engineering practices to define architectures, conduct analyses, and guide system development.
Lead trade studies and evaluate alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, reliability, and schedule.
Coordinate cross-functional engineering activities to ensure technical integrity, cost discipline, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.
Serve as the primary customer interface, capture the Voice of the Customer, and translate needs into actionable requirements and technical direction.
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including workforce planning, performance evaluation, role alignment, and collaboration.
Build a high-trust, collaborative team environment by resolving conflicts, delegating effectively, and promoting diverse perspectives.
Direct cost-efficient execution of department tasks, including cost estimating, budget planning, proposal development, and business development support.
Foster partnerships across business units, model organizational core values, and perform additional duties assigned by leadership.

Benefits

Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off.
Competitive compensation.
401(k) program.
Medical coverage with qualified wellness discounts.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
Disability coverage.
Basic life insurance.
Additional life and AD&D insurance available.
Flexible vacation and PTO.
Paid parental leave.
Employee referral program.
Voluntary long-term care, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance benefits, among others.
Voluntary TRICARE supplement available for military retirees.