Manager Engineering - Defense Systems

About the Role

Twenty‑Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high‑performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services for the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. The company is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT, TASE: ESLT). The Manager of Systems Engineering serves in a dual capacity: as the lead Systems Engineer and as the direct people manager for the Systems Engineering team. This role spans the full product lifecycle — from concept and design through prototyping, testing, installation, operation, and sustainment — performing requirements analysis, technical planning, systems‑level design, integration, verification and validation, cost and risk management, and supportability and effectiveness analyses. As technical lead, the manager guides development of new defense systems and components within System and Integrated Product Teams. As people leader, the manager provides direct supervision, ensures delivery against customer requirements, and executes the strategic plan across quality, process improvement, resource planning, and financial performance.

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 R&D 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 to customer objectives.
• Produce, review, and approve system documentation including specifications, standards, safety artifacts, test plans, and procedures.
• Execute 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, ensuring technical integrity, cost discipline, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as primary customer interface, capturing the Voice of the Customer and translating needs into actionable requirements and technical direction.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, driving workforce planning, performance evaluation, role alignment, and team 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 strong partnerships across business units while modeling organizational core values and performing additional duties assigned by leadership.

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 demonstrating the principal responsibilities described above.
• Eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance (existing clearance is an advantage).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, approaching technical problems in a logical, scientific manner.
• Flexible, able to handle multiple priorities, and capable of working for short to moderate periods without direct supervision.