Manages the systems engineering discipline and team within an aerospace organization. Responsibilities include staffing, budgeting, workload planning, technical guidance, requirements traceability, systems safety, test planning, flight-test data acquisition, performance evaluation, and continuous process improvement. The role supports product development from concept through production, coordinates with customers and engineering functions, and develops team capabilities and career paths. This is a fully on-site position in San Luis Obispo, California.
Summary
The Manager, Systems Engineering, is an experienced individual within the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) systems technology or related industry with extensive knowledge performing one's function in a fast-paced organization. As a member of the Engineering management team, the Systems Manager oversees the Systems discipline and participates in defining and executing the overall engineering product development strategy, budget, team development and evaluation.
Position Responsibilities
Company Overview
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
__________________________________________________________________________
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Pay Range: $118,000-$175,000 Salary Exempt
The Manager, Systems Engineering, is an experienced individual within the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) systems technology or related industry with extensive knowledge performing one's function in a fast-paced organization. As a member of the Engineering management team, the Systems Manager oversees the Systems discipline and participates in defining and executing the overall engineering product development strategy, budget, team development and evaluation.
Position Responsibilities
- Manages a group of systems and test engineering professionals, including budget planning, staffing, training, performance evaluation and career development
- Manages resources to meet project demands
- Plans workload for engineering activities
- Provides technical expertise and guidance to team to meet applicable deadlines
- Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction with both internal and external customers
- Manages requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle
- Maintain and develop Systems Engineering best practices, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Actively manage a high-performing engineering team, providing mentoring, performance evaluations, and structured technical career pathing.
- Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
- Frequently interacts with subordinate supervisors, customers and/or functional peer group managers, normally involving matters between functional areas
- Other duties as assigned
- BS degree in Engineering (i.e., Systems, Electrical, Aerospace, etc.) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- 10 - 12 years of experience in a systems engineering role, with minimum 3 years managerial experience
- Aerospace systems engineering experience preferred
- Experience writing Systems Safety protocols and ensuring personnel safety during field testing
- Experience in taking a product from concept to production with contract manufacturers a plus
- Managed requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle
- Experienced in providing weekly status of system development progress with requirements burn down
- Allocated requirements to subsystem & engineering coordination
- Evaluated system performance thresholds and providing direction
- Development of instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisition
- Provided input for model development and simulation analysis
- Has developed systems test plans, procedures and reports, reviewed and interpreted customer specification
- MS preferred in Computer Science, Aero-Mechanical Eng., Electrical Eng. Mechanical Eng.
- Must be able to provide clear and concise communication (written and oral), as well as provide professional presentations
- Familiarity with electronics and systems related to image collection and analysis
- Demonstrates clear oral communication and well-organized documentation skills
- Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
- Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
- Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
- Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
- Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
- Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
- Ability to work in an office and production environment (Constant)
- Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
- Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
- Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employeSummary:
The Manager, Flight Sciences, coordinates with other departments to meet the milestones during product development cycles. As a member of the Engineering management team, the Flight Sciences Manager oversees the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Aerodynamic Performance disciplines and participates in defining and executing the overall engineering product development strategy, budget, team development and evaluation.
Company Overview
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel
the aerospace industry forward.
**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
__________________________________________________________________________
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Must be able to pass background check.
Pay Range: $118,000-$175,000 Salary Exempt
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What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
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- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
