Software Integration & Test Engineering Manager

About the role

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits.

As the Software Integration & Test Engineering Manager, you will lead a talented team responsible for integrating, validating, and automating the testing of Innoflight's advanced aerospace products. You'll oversee software integration and test activities from concept through production, ensuring product requirements are thoroughly verified while driving innovation in automated test solutions. Working across Software, Hardware, FPGA, Mechanical, RF, PCB, Systems Engineering, and Program Management, you'll play a key role in delivering reliable, mission-critical technologies that power the next generation of space systems.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Software Integration & Test Team: Recruits, mentors, and manages a high-performing engineering team, providing technical guidance, performance coaching, and career development while fostering a collaborative, results-driven culture.
• Directs Integration & Test Programs: Oversees software integration and automated test activities across multiple development programs, ensuring product requirements are successfully verified from development through production.
• Drives Test Automation Strategy: Leads the planning and implementation of automated test initiatives, leveraging Python and modern test methodologies to improve efficiency, scalability, and product quality.
• Collaborates Across Engineering: Partners closely with Software, Hardware, FPGA, Mechanical, RF, PCB, Systems Engineering, and Program Management teams to coordinate integration efforts, resolve technical challenges, and achieve program milestones.
• Defines Test Requirements: Works with systems design and engineering teams to develop comprehensive test strategies, test procedures, and verification data that ensure compliance with customer and program requirements.
• Ensures Quality & Documentation: Reviews and verifies engineering documentation, test procedures, modifications, and test results to maintain configuration control and support product traceability.
• Drives Operational Excellence: Identifies opportunities to improve engineering processes, test automation, team productivity, and organizational efficiency while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manages Program Risks: Identifies technical risks, issues, and schedule pressures, developing mitigation plans that keep projects on track and minimize program impacts.
• Coordinates Internal & External Stakeholders: Communicates effectively with suppliers, customers, and internal leadership to ensure products are delivered on schedule and meet technical and quality expectations.
• Leverages Data for Continuous Improvement: Analyzes engineering and production metrics to improve productivity, reduce costs, optimize testing processes, and support informed business decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 7 or more years of software integration and/or test engineering experience.
• Previous experience leading or managing engineering teams.
• Working knowledge of software integration and test principles, processes, and verification methodologies.
• Experience working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• Experience managing software development processes, software projects, and testing activities.
• Experience developing Python-based automated testing solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex technical challenges into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Skills

• Engineering Leadership: Leading and developing high-performing engineering teams while managing complex integration and test programs in a collaborative environment.
• Software Integration & Test: Applying deep knowledge of software integration, automated testing, and verification methodologies to deliver reliable, high-quality products.
• Test Automation: Developing and implementing Python-based automated test solutions that improve engineering efficiency and product validation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Building strong partnerships across multidisciplinary engineering teams, program management, suppliers, and customers to successfully execute technical programs.

Pay

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $140,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance

Schedule

Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

About the company

We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.

Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech—we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.