Systems Engineering Manager

Job Title: Systems Engineering Manager

Job Description

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Essential Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 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.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position with a 9/80 schedule, offering opportunities to work with leading industry partners. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, promoting innovation and continuous improvement. The team is currently rebuilding, providing immediate leadership opportunities.

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Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.12 - $91.35/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chatsworth,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $72 - $91