Aperture Space · 4 days ago
Hardware Engineering Manager
Waltham, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$180K/yr - $220K/yr
7+ years expAperture Space is a fast-moving, innovation-driven startup developing cutting-edge SAR sensor and analytics solutions for climate monitoring and national security. The Hardware Engineering Manager will lead the hardware development team, overseeing the delivery of L-band SAR payloads for airborne and satellite platforms while managing cross-functional teams and ensuring timely completion of government milestones.
AerospaceInformation TechnologyService Industry
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
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
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)
Benefits
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
Health + Dental Insurance (100% employee / 50% dependent coverage)
Flexible PTO
Company
Aperture Space
Aperture Space is a Space Research and Technology firm offering structure detection and soil moisture maps.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
unknown2023-11-07Pre Seed
Company data provided by crunchbase