Engineering Manager — SAR Payload / Satellite Imaging (Confidential Search)
📍 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? Get in touch confidentially.
Engineering Manager in Durham at EVONA
- Other openings
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EVONA currently has 7 other roles open on LocalWork across 5 locations. If this particular role is not the right fit, their other openings may be.
This position is listed as full time and onsite. It was posted 2 days ago.