Company Information:
Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.
Job Summary: The Manager of Systems Engineering serves in a dual-capacity role, functioning as both the lead Systems Engineer and the direct people manager for the Systems Engineering team. In this role, the manager performs requirements analysis and management, technical planning, systems-level design, integration, verification and validation, cost and risk management, and supportability and effectiveness analyses across the full product lifecycle - from concept and design through prototyping, testing, installation, operation, and sustainment.
As the technical lead, the Manager guides the development of new defense systems and components, working within System and Integrated Product Teams to ensure system architectures, requirements, and engineering decisions align with mission and customer needs. As the people leader, the Manager provides direct supervision within the business unit, ensuring that products and services are delivered in response to customer requirements. The Manager executes the strategic plan by achieving goals and objectives in quality, process improvement, resource planning, and financial performance for assigned programs.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
- Lead full‑lifecycle systems engineering activities including requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, and validation.
- Oversee system concept development, design, prototyping, testing, installation, fielding, and sustainment.
- Transition advanced technologies from R&D and early concepts into production baselines and operational systems.
- Direct and support software and hardware integration, including hands‑on troubleshooting of complex multifunctional systems.
- Apply technical expertise across avionics, ground combat systems, vehicle architectures, mission systems, and survivability subsystems.
- Develop system‑level requirements, CONOPS, mission needs, and interface definitions aligned to customer objectives.
- Produce, review, and approve system documentation including specifications, standards, safety artifacts, test plans, and procedures.
- Execute Model‑Based Systems Engineering practices to define architectures, conduct analyses, and guide system development.
- Lead trade studies and evaluate alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, reliability, and schedule.
- Coordinate cross‑functional engineering activities, ensuring technical integrity, cost discipline, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction.
- Serve as primary customer interface, capturing the Voice of the Customer and translating needs into actionable requirements and technical direction.
- Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, driving workforce planning, performance evaluation, role alignment, and team collaboration.
- Build a high‑trust, collaborative team environment by resolving conflicts, delegating effectively, and promoting diverse perspectives.
- Direct cost‑efficient execution of department tasks, including cost estimating, budget planning, proposal development, and business development support.
- Foster strong partnerships across business units while modeling organizational core values and performing additional duties assigned by leadership.
Education, Experience, License, or Certification:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electro-optical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Software Engineering.
- Ability to demonstrate/show principal responsibilities mentioned above (10+ years of systems engineering experience).
- Eligible to obtain Security Clearance
- Requires excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to understand and follow complex, detailed instructions, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Must be able to approach technical problems in a logical and scientific manner. Must be flexible and able to handle multiple priorities and be able to work for short to moderate periods of time without direct supervision.
- Must be highly self-motivated and able to work in both team and individual environments.
- Advantage - Former military experience in aerospace/avionics/naval/ground systems.
Skills and Abilities:
- Successful experience in managing a project and/or engineering team with a for-profit company.
- Ability to implement product or service goals and monitor their progress.
- Provide thorough, accurate information to answer customers’ questions and to meet commitment times or performance guarantees.
- Actively look for ways to help customers by identifying and proposing appropriate solutions and/or services, adjusting services based on customer feedback.
- An understanding of how to manage programs & projects through lean manufacturing and good supply chain management.
- Have an understanding of quality systems and how it affects quality work.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Have computer skills that include using electronic information for timely decisions.
- Ability to manage product or service staff to accomplish successful business results by working effectively in teams while solving technical or administrative problems.
- Recognized leadership abilities and willingness to take initiative.
- Willingness to learn and improve in all areas.
- Maintain confidentiality as appropriate about matters encountered in the workplace.
- Treat supervisors, employees and peers with respect.
- Practice honesty with regard to company time and property.
- Accept help from supervisors & employees and peers.
- Be able to learn about all the products or services of the organization.
- Ability to communicate to department and senior management with suggestions & critical feedback.
- Knowledge of the defense and military industry with some specific knowledge about the customer base for the assigned product.
- Ability to calculate and determine the cost & price of products through fundamentals of Accounting with Profit and loss calculations.
- Choose behaviors and/or actions that best support the team and leads toward the accomplishment of work tasks.
- Effectively change plans, goals, actions or priorities to deal with changing situations, changing gears in response to unpredictable or unexpected events.
- Be able to implement a number of different approaches to problems.
- Observe and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the solution to assess the need for alternative approaches and to identify lessons learned.
Travel/Physical Requirements:
- Work is usually conducted in an office (at least 3-4 days a week).
- Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally (10-15%) to support projects.
- Must be a “US Person” and have ability to obtain security clearance. Existing clearance is an advantage.
Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:
- Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
- Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
- Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
- Flexible Vacation & PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Employee Referral Program
- Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
- Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.
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