Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Secure Systems (onsite)

Senior Systems Engineering Manager

Join the Mission Systems Secure Systems Department and play a critical role in designing cutting-edge cryptographic solutions that support military communications worldwide. As a Senior Systems Engineering Manager, you will lead teams in the development of advanced cryptographic products used across the defense industry. Your expertise will shape the next generation of secure communication technologies, ensuring seamless integration across multi-disciplinary engineering teams to meet both domestic and international customer needs.

In this role, you will oversee system-level trades, requirements development, and architecture design while driving performance assessment, integration, testing, verification, and validation efforts. You will provide technical leadership in secure communications, manage projects, and support fielded products, ensuring continuous innovation in cryptographic solutions.

We are looking for a proven leader with Systems Engineering expertise, a strong understanding of the systems engineering development process, and experience managing projects and teams.

This role is on-site in Cedar Rapids, IA, or Ft Wayne, IN.

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage a team of high-performing systems engineers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and guidance to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and strategic goals
• Oversee the development and execution of advanced systems engineering projects, applying in-depth technical expertise to drive innovation and ensure successful program delivery
• Define and implement long-term (multi-year) strategies and operational plans that contribute to business growth and project success, with direct accountability for measurable outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, systems, and tools to enhance team efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction
• Solve highly complex and strategic problems that require a broad understanding of multiple disciplines, sites, geographies, products, and customers
• Establish strong communication across disciplines, teams, and leadership levels to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and ensure project alignment with organizational priorities
• Influence and implement policies, practices, and procedures while driving change management initiatives to optimize processes and deliver results
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of top engineering talent, including hiring, promotions, performance management, and rewards to foster a high-performing and engaged team
• Represent the team and organization in meetings with senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and successful collaboration on to achieve positive program outcomes
• Foster a culture of engagement, technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of industry advancements and best practices

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• Prior experience leading a team of engineers
• Experience with the systems development process, including requirements capture, design, decomposition, integration, verification/validation, and transition to production
• Prior leadership of large-scale programs throughout the full development lifecycle, with strong proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, SAFe Agile) and financial tools such as Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Experience in hardware/software integration including system architecture and troubleshooting

Qualifications We Prefer

• A strong preference for applicants with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Prior experience supporting bids and proposal efforts
• Experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools (CAMEO) for developing architectures and functional analysis
• Experience with NSA certification processes and working with these Government authorities
• Experience in the development of cyber-physical / embedded systems and/or cryptographic products
• Experience establishing and leveraging meaningful engineering metrics to inform decisions, improve program execution, and drive organizational performance

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation
• And more!