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.