Senior Systems Engineering Manager; Onsite

Overview

Date Posted:
Country:
United States of America

Location:

US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance:
Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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.

• 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.

• 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
• Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain Top Secret after start.
• Experience in a project engineering or technical lead role with cost and schedule accountability, including a strong background in Earned Value Management.

• 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.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent efforts.
• Ability to assess engineering performance against plan and proactively drive corrective actions.
• Experience developing and maintaining staffing plans, including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop engineers.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, program leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that…