Engineering Manager, Software (Modeling and Simulation)

Responsibilities

• Technical Oversight & Strategic Contributions: Provide technical direction on modeling architecture, validation strategies, and integration approaches. Review and approve technical designs, major architectural decisions, and model validation plans. Participate in all aspects of a project's development lifecycle, including design, implementation, and verification. Lead the team by example, setting the standard for technical work.
• Define modeling standards, best practices, and documentation requirements that embed simulation throughout the product lifecycle
• Strategic Planning & Execution: Define and own the team roadmap in collaboration with the Head of Simulation, balancing near-term delivery with long-term capability development. Translate organizational strategy and technical vision into actionable team objectives and quarterly goals. Prioritize work and allocate resources across competing demands. Manage dependencies and coordinate with other engineering managers to ensure successful cross-functional delivery. Track and communicate team progress, risks, and blockers to leadership and stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement in team processes, tools, and workflows to increase velocity and quality. Work with technical program managers to scope projects, estimate timelines, and commit to deliverables
• Team Leadership & People Management: Build, grow, and lead a team of modeling and simulation engineers through recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retention. Provide direct people management including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and career development. Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Develop individual contributors into technical leaders through mentorship, coaching, and growth opportunities. Manage team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and ensure healthy team communication and collaboration. Facilitate knowledge sharing, cross-training, and documentation practices to build team resilience and institutional knowledge

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or related technical field; Ph.D. or Bachelor's degree with equivalent professional experience also accepted
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in modeling, simulation, or aerospace engineering with at least 4 years in people management, leading teams of 4+ engineers
• People Management: Demonstrated track record of building, growing, and developing high-performing engineering teams including hiring, performance management, and career development
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead through influence, manage stakeholder expectations, drive execution in ambiguous environments, and deliver results through others
• Technical Foundation: Strong foundation in spacecraft system modeling and simulation with depth in areas such as orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, thermal analysis, power systems, or propulsion (sufficient to provide technical oversight and credibility)
• Domain Knowledge: Experience with physics-based modeling, simulation frameworks, and validation methodologies for complex aerospace or defense systems
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to influence senior leadership, translate between technical and non-technical audiences, and represent the team effectively
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives into team strategy, prioritize competing demands, and make trade-offs that balance technical excellence with delivery
• Process & Execution: Track record of defining processes, establishing team norms, and driving operational excellence in fast-paced environments
• Collaboration: Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and drive consensus