Aperture Space
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Aperture Overview Aperture is a fast-moving, innovation-driven startup developing cutting-edge SAR sensor and analytics solutions for climate monitoring and national security. We specialize in advanced radar sensing technology designed for deployment across drone, airborne, and satellite platforms, delivering unparalleled soil moisture intelligence and environmental monitoring through next-generation hardware and software integration.
At Aperture, we are redefining how radio sensing operates in complex environments. Our expertise in software-defined radar, RF engineering, and advanced analytics positions us at the forefront of breakthrough technologies in remote sensing. With active government contracts and growing commercial traction, we are building a world-class team to accelerate our airborne and satellite payload development.
Role Description We are seeking an experienced
Hardware Engineering Manager - Radar Payloads
to lead our hardware development team and drive delivery of L-band SAR payloads for airborne and satellite platforms. This is a hands‑on leadership role building and managing contractors, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring on-time delivery of government milestones. This role has significant growth potential. As Aperture scales our government and commercial programs, the Payload Engineering Manager can grow into leading our entire hardware engineering function.
The ideal candidate has shipped radar or remote sensing payloads before, thrives in fast‑paced startup environments, and can translate technical requirements into delivered hardware. You will own the end-to-end payload development process, from design through integration, test, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities Program Management
Lead payload development programs for airborne and satellite platforms, ensuring on-time delivery of government contract milestones
Manage budget, schedule, and technical scope across multiple concurrent projects
Coordinate internal team members and external contractors to meet program objectives
Interface with government customers on technical reviews and milestone deliverables
Technical Leadership
Define system architecture and requirements for payloads
Oversee design, integration, and testing of RF front‑ends, digital systems, power avionics, and mechanical structures
Plan and direct payload integration campaigns, including bench testing, RF characterization, and flight test activities
Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies
Lead troubleshooting of critical hardware issues
Coordinate with software team on firmware development and system bring‑up
Team Development
Hire, manage and mentor a team of engineers, contractors, and technicians
Build payload engineering capabilities as the company scales
Establish engineering processes, design standards, and best practices
Required Qualifications Experience
7+ years in radar or RF systems engineering with deep technical expertise in radar payload development
At least 3 years in technical leadership or program management
Proven track record shipping radar, remote sensing, or satellite payloads from design through deployment
Experience managing government contracts and delivering against milestones
Hands‑on experience with RF systems, SDR platforms, and payload integration
Technical Skills
Deep understanding of radar systems, RF link budgets, antenna design, and signal processing
Strong systems engineering background: requirements flow-down, interface control, verification & validation
Experience with airborne or space-qualified hardware design (thermal, vibration, power constraints)
Familiarity with RF test equipment, PCB design tools, and lab infrastructure
Soft Skills
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage external contractors
Excellent written and verbal communication for customer interactions and technical documentation
Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast‑paced startup environments
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make decisions with incomplete information
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with L-band, C-band, or X-band radar systems
Background in SAR payload development
Familiarity with small satellite platforms
Prior work in defense contractors or commercial space companies
Active or prior security clearance (not required but advantageous)
Ownership:
Lead the hardware program that defines Aperture's future
Impact:
Your work directly enables climate intelligence and national security missions
Equity:
Competitive equity package in a high‑growth startup
Compensation:
$180-$220K base salary depending on experience
Location:
Waltham, MA (in‑person 4‑5 days / week)
Travel:
Limited 10% travel for testing and meetings may be required.
Application Process Submit your resume and answers to the following questions (2-3 sentences each) to
info@aperture.earth
with subject line: "Payload Engineering Manager Application".
Describe one radar or remote sensing payload you led from design to delivery. What platform (airborne/satellite/ground), what was your role, and what was delivered?
Tell us about managing a hardware team (FTEs or contractors) under time pressure. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
What specifically interests you about Aperture's mission in soil moisture intelligence and climate monitoring?
Applicant must be a US Citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) due to U.S. export control regulations. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industry Space Research and Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Aperture Overview Aperture is a fast-moving, innovation-driven startup developing cutting-edge SAR sensor and analytics solutions for climate monitoring and national security. We specialize in advanced radar sensing technology designed for deployment across drone, airborne, and satellite platforms, delivering unparalleled soil moisture intelligence and environmental monitoring through next-generation hardware and software integration.
At Aperture, we are redefining how radio sensing operates in complex environments. Our expertise in software-defined radar, RF engineering, and advanced analytics positions us at the forefront of breakthrough technologies in remote sensing. With active government contracts and growing commercial traction, we are building a world-class team to accelerate our airborne and satellite payload development.
Role Description We are seeking an experienced
Hardware Engineering Manager - Radar Payloads
to lead our hardware development team and drive delivery of L-band SAR payloads for airborne and satellite platforms. This is a hands‑on leadership role building and managing contractors, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring on-time delivery of government milestones. This role has significant growth potential. As Aperture scales our government and commercial programs, the Payload Engineering Manager can grow into leading our entire hardware engineering function.
The ideal candidate has shipped radar or remote sensing payloads before, thrives in fast‑paced startup environments, and can translate technical requirements into delivered hardware. You will own the end-to-end payload development process, from design through integration, test, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities Program Management
Lead payload development programs for airborne and satellite platforms, ensuring on-time delivery of government contract milestones
Manage budget, schedule, and technical scope across multiple concurrent projects
Coordinate internal team members and external contractors to meet program objectives
Interface with government customers on technical reviews and milestone deliverables
Technical Leadership
Define system architecture and requirements for payloads
Oversee design, integration, and testing of RF front‑ends, digital systems, power avionics, and mechanical structures
Plan and direct payload integration campaigns, including bench testing, RF characterization, and flight test activities
Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and trade studies
Lead troubleshooting of critical hardware issues
Coordinate with software team on firmware development and system bring‑up
Team Development
Hire, manage and mentor a team of engineers, contractors, and technicians
Build payload engineering capabilities as the company scales
Establish engineering processes, design standards, and best practices
Required Qualifications Experience
7+ years in radar or RF systems engineering with deep technical expertise in radar payload development
At least 3 years in technical leadership or program management
Proven track record shipping radar, remote sensing, or satellite payloads from design through deployment
Experience managing government contracts and delivering against milestones
Hands‑on experience with RF systems, SDR platforms, and payload integration
Technical Skills
Deep understanding of radar systems, RF link budgets, antenna design, and signal processing
Strong systems engineering background: requirements flow-down, interface control, verification & validation
Experience with airborne or space-qualified hardware design (thermal, vibration, power constraints)
Familiarity with RF test equipment, PCB design tools, and lab infrastructure
Soft Skills
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage external contractors
Excellent written and verbal communication for customer interactions and technical documentation
Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast‑paced startup environments
Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make decisions with incomplete information
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with L-band, C-band, or X-band radar systems
Background in SAR payload development
Familiarity with small satellite platforms
Prior work in defense contractors or commercial space companies
Active or prior security clearance (not required but advantageous)
Ownership:
Lead the hardware program that defines Aperture's future
Impact:
Your work directly enables climate intelligence and national security missions
Equity:
Competitive equity package in a high‑growth startup
Compensation:
$180-$220K base salary depending on experience
Location:
Waltham, MA (in‑person 4‑5 days / week)
Travel:
Limited 10% travel for testing and meetings may be required.
Application Process Submit your resume and answers to the following questions (2-3 sentences each) to
info@aperture.earth
with subject line: "Payload Engineering Manager Application".
Describe one radar or remote sensing payload you led from design to delivery. What platform (airborne/satellite/ground), what was your role, and what was delivered?
Tell us about managing a hardware team (FTEs or contractors) under time pressure. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
What specifically interests you about Aperture's mission in soil moisture intelligence and climate monitoring?
Applicant must be a US Citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) due to U.S. export control regulations. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industry Space Research and Technology
#J-18808-Ljbffr