Senior Systems Engineering Manager (Onsite)

RTX•Fort Wayne, IN

20h•Onsite

About The Position

At Collins Aerospace, we’re working side-by-side with our customers and partners to dream, design and deliver solutions that redefine the future of our industry. By reaching across the markets, we serve and drawing on our vast portfolio of expertise, we are making the most powerful concepts in aerospace a reality every day. As the industry faces new challenges and embraces new technologies, Collins is collaborating and innovating with our customers to bring big ideas to life. And together, we're redefining the future of aerospace. Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering Manager to lead systems engineering execution on high-impact Department of Defense programs. This role is for a proven leader who understands that disciplined systems engineering—and the effective management of engineering talent—directly enables mission success and national security outcomes. You will provide technical and functional leadership to teams of systems engineers, with accountability for lifecycle rigor across requirements, architecture, integration, and verification. You will manage and allocate engineering resources to meet program priorities, develop and mentor senior engineering talent, and ensure the right skills are aligned to the right mission needs. This role requires decisive leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to translate mission objectives into executable plans in high-consequence environments. This position is located on site in Fort Wayne, IN and requires an active US secret security clearance.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
Successfully executed in a previous senior engineering leadership role
Demonstrated communication and presentation skills with the ability to seamlessly present to the appropriate information to numerous stakeholders
Experience working with complex system-of-systems from both a development and maintenance perspective and from an architectural perspective
Understanding/familiarity with the following software technologies: Requirements database (e.g. DOORS, JAMA etc.), Atlassian suite of tools (Confluence, JIRA), Linux, C/C++ Python or other programming languages, fundamental concepts of systems engineering (reqs allocation, management, verification and validation etc)
Advanced expertise in Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, tools, and application
Ability to lead technical discussions with internal teams as well as customers to help inform tech roadmaps
Manage team performance, career development, succession plans, and talent reviews to set the team up for success
Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date.
Must have the ability to obtain Top Secret after start.
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

Active/Current Top Secret clearance
Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments with changing priorities and resource constraints.
Strong emotional intelligence, maintaining composure and objectivity under pressure.
Highly self-motivated leader capable of fostering a positive, accountable team culture.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Team-first mindset with a focus on collective success.
Ability to assess engineering performance against plan and proactively drive corrective actions.
Experience developing and maintaining staffing plans, including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
Experience with Agile development methodologies.
Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, providing technical direction and applying sound systems engineering principles across the full development lifecycle.
Program Execution: Own engineering execution for scope, schedule, and cost, with direct involvement in project planning, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk management activities.
Process & Compliance: Ensure disciplined use of established development processes, lifecycle plans, and tools, including adherence to avionics certification standards and ARP-4754-aligned systems development.
Bids & Proposals: Lead, review, and provide technical guidance for proposal and capture activities, ensuring credible, executable engineering content.
People & Resource Management: Make hiring and staffing decisions, conduct performance management, address personnel matters, and build a highly engaged, high-performing engineering team.
Organizational Leadership: Partner with peers and leadership to plan and execute broader departmental and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
Relocation assistance may be provided