Director of Engineering - Communication Systems and Payloads

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD! 

Join the Radio Frequency (RF) and Optical Communications (RFOCS) team and be at the forefront of payload development for the space enterprise. We are a dynamic team of problem-solvers tackling the toughest challenges in space communication and RF payloads across a diverse set of national security, civil, and commercial space missions. If you’re passionate about communication technologies, transmit your application to us and help shape the future of space connectivity. 

 
We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the Communication Payload, Command, & Telemetry Department (CPCTD), a nation-wide team of experts shaping the future of communication and navigation payloads. CPCTD provides “cradle-to-grave" communications and navigation payload systems engineering support, including rapid concept design studies, requirements and CONOPs development; integration and test support; performance assessment and requirements verification; and on-orbit satellite support. Reliable and affordable high-performance communications systems are fundamental to the success of both current and next-generation space architectures, and CPCTD plays an essential role in helping make those systems a reality. 

This role provides organizational and technical leadership in communication systems engineering. You will have an opportunity to grow and shape the department’s support across the rapidly evolving space enterprise, build relationships with a broad set of customers, and coordinate with a diverse set of communications and remote sensing domain experts within MPD. 

Work Model: This role will be primarily onsite due to the nature of our work and customers.  

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead a National Engineering Team and Drive Innovation 

• Provide leadership to a team of 20+ engineers dedicated to providing communication and navigation payload systems engineering support, technology development, and mission assurance across the DoD and IC space enterprises 

• Implement high-impact strategies that exceed our customer needs, foster innovation, and deliver transformative solutions 

• Shape the Future of Technical Excellence 

• Drive the future of CPCTD by developing top engineering talent and expanding technical capabilities to ensure our team stays ahead of advancements 

• Identify and capture new business opportunities that position our organization as a leader in the industry 

• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Build and lead high-impact cross-functional teams, aligning expertise with project needs and driving collaborative solutions 

• Partner closely with fellow Directors in the Mission Payloads Division to shape a cohesive team strategy, align technical efforts, and share best practices  

• Strategically Manage Budgets 

• Oversee and optimize budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and operational excellence 

• Drive Team Performance and Engagement 

• Cultivate a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth 

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM-related field 

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in communications systems, RF systems, or related technologies 

• Proven ability to lead the full project management lifecycle, from concept to successful delivery of customer and business objectives 

• Knowledgeable technical expertise in the design, build, integration and/or test of communication and navigation payloads 

• Demonstrated ability to guide teams in a dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities and ensuring alignment with customer needs 

• Commitment to maintaining a customer-focused approach, navigating challenges with creativity and collaboration, and communicating clearly and effectively across diverse formats/audiences 

• Willingness to travel domestically approx.10 – 15% 

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in electrical engineering, related engineering or physics discipline 

• 12+ years of experience in communications systems or related technologies 

• Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance 

• Prior experience managing high-performing technical teams 

• Space systems acquisition experience, preferably in a customer-facing role 

• Demonstrated success in transitioning internal research and design projects to product development 

• Proven ability to grow and maintain a healthy organizational culture and foster a supportive, collaborative environment