Hardware Engineering Manager Job at Aperture Space in Waltham

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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