Systems Engineering Manager, ATC and FAA - Frederick, MD

About the role

Recently named by Newsweek as one of the Best American Mid-Sized Workplaces in 2026, we are seeking an experienced System Engineering Manager to lead Air Traffic Control Voice Communication System (VCS) teams to support a large government program. The role leads multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for systems engineering, architecture, configuration, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering solutions, while integrating matrixed engineering organizations to ensure technical quality and engineering governance. It entails resource coordination across engineering activities, including staffing, onboarding, training coordination, and continuous staff development in collaboration with the learning and development team. The position is based in Frederick, MD and requires onsite presence most days. US citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of systems engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with Program Management, Chief System Engineer office, test engineering, design engineering, production, service, quality, and other integrated program teams.
• Define and execute systems engineering strategy, roadmap, and technical standards to support organizational objectives, scalability, reliability, and security requirements.
• Drive architecture and design reviews and technical decision‑making to ensure solutions align with customer requirements, business priorities, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Lead efforts for creating and maintaining technical documentation according to customer requirements.
• Translate customer needs into requirements and competitive solutions maximizing R&S content.
• Prepare regular reports on project progress, issues encountered, and resolutions implemented.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings with program team (R&S and customers).
• Work closely with the product, Software and R&D engineering teams based in Europe and North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in EE, CS or related discipline; a MS degree in Engineering or Operations Management is desired.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in system and test engineering environments.
• Minimum 3 years of direct people‑management responsibility (team size 5‑20, including engineers and support staff).
• Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain high‑performing engineering talent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; ability to author clear, audit‑ready documentation.
• Experience with requirement management processes and tools.
• Hands‑