Engineering Manager — SAR Payload / Satellite Imaging (Confidential Search)
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Based in North Carolina, USA | On-site
An early-stage, well-funded space technology company is building next-generation satellite imaging capability, using a patented antenna approach that combines wide-area scanning with high-volume capacity for synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The mission: make high-quality, industrial-scale Earth observation genuinely accessible.
They're now hiring the primary technical leader for their pathfinder SAR payload mission — someone who can own engineering execution end-to-end and help build the program from the ground up.
What you'll own:
- Day-to-day engineering execution and team leadership across the payload program
- Hands-on technical direction across antenna design, RF backend, payload computer, software/firmware, systems engineering, and AIT
- Supply chain and procurement — parts, prototypes, vendors, lead times
- The interface between payload and satellite bus, working closely with an external satellite builder
- Establishing the engineering processes (reviews, change management, validation) that an early-stage hardware program needs
- Direct partnership with the CEO on technical strategy
What you'll bring:
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including time in a technical leadership or management role
- Hands-on depth across multiple hardware disciplines — small satellite, RF/electronics, and/or software/firmware
- A track record of managing technical execution, schedule, and delivery in hardware development
- A relevant technical degree (Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace or similar)
- Prior exposure to small satellite, RF, antenna, SAR, or radar hardware is a strong plus
On offer:
- Competitive salary
- Meaningful equity — a genuine early-hire ownership stake
- Full healthcare, PTO, and retirement benefits
- A ground-floor seat in a high-powered team pushing the state of the art in satellite imaging
This is a true build role — for someone who wants to shape the engineering function rather than inherit one.
Interested, or know someone who fits? xhqgsiq Get in touch confidentially.
Engineering Manager in durham at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and onsite.