System Engineering Manager

About the role

Sidus Space®, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU) is an innovative space and defense technology company offering flexible, cost‑effective solutions including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI‑driven space‑based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services, and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With demonstrated space heritage — manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat® — Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers globally from its 35,000‑square‑foot manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test facility on Florida’s Space Coast.

The Systems Engineering Manager leads a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for system architecture, requirements development, integration, test, and verification of complex aerospace and embedded systems. The role is approximately 80% technical leadership and hands‑on engineering, 20% people and project management. Candidates may come from satellites, embedded systems, electronics development, mission systems, aviation, defense hardware, or similar domains. Strong systems thinking, cross‑functional leadership, and ownership of technical execution are emphasized over mastery of any single domain. This position is 100% onsite in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership (Primary Focus – 80%)

• Lead systems engineering activities including requirements development, interface definition, trade studies, architecture development, and verification planning.
• Lead or contribute to Integrated Product Teams driving subsystem development, integration, and verification.
• Oversee integration and test of complex systems involving hardware, software, and mechanical components; guide issue resolution and risk management.
• Support development of electronics, embedded systems, mission hardware, or similar technologies based on candidate background.
• Ensure documentation quality across requirements, verification artifacts, test results, and configuration management.
• Participate in R&D and advanced development as needed; may serve as Principal Investigator depending on experience.
• Provide technical direction to teams and act as decision authority when resolving engineering issues.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and mission partners to maintain alignment on technical expectations.
• Support business development activities such as technical proposals, white papers, and concept development.

Management & Leadership (20%)

• Supervise, mentor, and grow a small engineering team; guide professional development and foster collaboration.
• Coordinate schedules, resources, risks, and technical reporting for ongoing programs.
• Promote effective communication across engineering, program management, manufacturing, and external partners.
• Treat all coworkers with respect and dignity ensuring a collaborative culture is continually developed and maintained.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in systems engineering, system integration, embedded systems, aerospace/defense hardware, electronics development, or similar complex engineering domains.
• Experience leading technical efforts, project teams, or IPT‑like groups.
• Experience with systems engineering lifecycle tools such as DOORS, CRADLE, DevOps platforms, or equivalents.

Desired Skills and Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas will be a strong fit:

• Satellite system development or spaceflight hardware
• Embedded systems or FPGA‑based designs
• Electronics/PCB development
• Mission systems, avionics, or defense hardware integration
• Environmental and qualification testing
• RF, power electronics, or high‑speed digital systems

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work – occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to carry, lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves being stationary most of the time, sometimes requiring moving about the work center on concrete surfaces. Computer Work – daily use of laptop, computer monitor screen, keyboard, and mouse, sometimes utilizing a headset with microphone & speakers.

Travel

Ability to travel < 10%.

Benefits

Sidus Space offers a competitive salary and a Best‑in‑Class benefit program with a generous employer‑paid portion plus a matching 401(k) on Day ONE. Perks include:

• Jeans every day
• Regular onsite food trucks
• 5 free company t‑shirts for Manufacturing Staff
• Paid Time Off (vacation and sick days) and 11 paid holidays
• Adjustable stand‑up desks
• Employee referral bonus program
• Educational assistance and professional training opportunities
• Company golf outings and other social events

Additional Requirements

• Sidus Space is a Drug‑Free Workplace; post‑offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria are met per company policy.
• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen.
• This position requires access to onsite locations managing Unclassified Information that is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN). To meet NOFORN requirements, you must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship and attest that you do not hold dual citizenship.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities absent undue hardship.