Senior Manager, Rapid Integration & Test

Responsibilities

• Build, scale, and lead a high-performing Rapid Integration and Test team, actively recruiting and onboarding top-tier talent across diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, systems, and software).
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and rapid innovation, while helping engineers map and achieve their career growth goals.
• Expand the team’s collective capability to support a broader array of parallel projects by identifying skill gaps and strategically cross-training or hiring to fill them.
• Lead the design, construction, and testing of UAS prototypes, efficiently transforming concepts into functional early-stage products.
• Participate in weekly stand-ups and provide Situation Reports (SITREPS) to leadership to highlight progress, pinpoint issues, and facilitate resource enablement.
• Cut through red tape by avoiding sluggish bureaucratic processes, while still strictly adhering to essential safety and legal regulations.
• Develop and execute a streamlined test plan that focuses on key objectives while maintaining a commitment to safety and minimizing unnecessary procedures.
• Ensure adherence to baseline safety plans, proactively mitigating risks without compromising the team's agility and innovation goals.
• Communicate effectively to bolster teamwork and navigate risks, ensuring that information flows seamlessly within the team and across the organization.
• Act as a key contributor within the T&E team, playing a significant role in shaping the overarching testing strategy, designing the organizational structure of the RIT team, and ensuring the success of the prototype's transition to formal development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of experience recruiting, building, and managing high-performing technical teams, with a proven track record of scaling team capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in workload planning, resource allocation, and managing a team that simultaneously supports multiple diverse hardware/software projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Pixhawk autopilot systems and ArduPilot stack, including integration, configuration, customization, and testing of unmanned vehicles.
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary for project planning, testing, and execution.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and working with composite materials.
• Comprehensive understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS operating regulations.
• Practical experience in the operation, testing, and development of small UAS or drones.
• Expertise in engineering principles, codes, theories, and a broad application of complex technical concepts.
• Able to quickly grasp new concepts and apply them effectively, and the capacity to organize and coordinate work effectively.
• Proficiency with computers and strong documentation skills.
• Familiarity with rotary-wing aerodynamics and flight control systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Self-motivated with the capability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as required by project demands.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related technical or management field.
• Hands-on experience with RC helicopters or UAVs, including piloting, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of software development practices and programming languages pertinent to autonomy and robotics (e.g., Python, C++, ROS).
• FAA Part 107 certification.

Pay

• $166,000 - $220,000 USD

Schedule

• Full-time