Hardware Engineering Manager

Role Description: We are seeking an experienced Hardware Engineering Manager - Radar Payloadsto 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‑upTeam 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 SkillsDeep 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 SkillsProven 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

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) toinfo@aperture.earthwith 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