Systems Engineering Manager, ATC and FAA - Frederick, MD

Recently named by Newsweek as one of the Best American Mid-Sized Workplaces in 2026, we are seeking an experienced System Engineering Manager to lead Air Traffic Control Voice Communication System (VCS) teams to support a large government program. This position will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the delivery of systems engineering, architecture, configuration, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering solutions, while integrating matrixed engineering organizations to ensure technical quality, and engineering governance. This role entails resource coordination across engineering activities on the program, including the staffing and onboarding training coordination and continuous development of staff with collaboration from our learning and development team. The work location for this position is Frederick, MD and does require being onsite most days. This position requires US citizenship.

Your tasks

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of systems engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with Program Management, Chief System Engineer office, test engineering, design engineering, production, service, quality, and other integrated program teams.
• Define and execute systems engineering strategy, roadmap, and technical standards to support organizational objectives, scalability, reliability, and security requirements.
• Drive architecture and design reviews and technical decision-making to ensure solutions align with customer requirements, business priorities, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Lead efforts for creating and maintaining technical documentation according to customer requirements.
• Translate customer needs into requirements and competitive solutions maximizing R&S content.
• Prepare regular reports on project progress, issues encountered, and resolutions implemented.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings with program team (R&S and customers).
• Work closely with the product, Software and R&D engineering teams based in Europe and North America.

Your qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in EE, CS or related discipline, with a desired MS degree in Engineering or Operations Management
• 10 + years of progressive experience in system and test engineering environments
• Minimum 3 years of direct people‑management responsibility (team size 5‑20, including engineers, and support staff).
• Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain high‑performing engineering talent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; ability to author clear, audit‑ready documentation.
• Experience with requirement management processes and tools.
• Hands‑on experience writing, maintaining, and auditing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work‑instructions, and test‑plans to meet ISO‑9001/AS9100D compliance.
• Good communication and customer interface skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to operate with considerable autonomy and minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, up to 30%.
• In order to be considered, candidates must be US citizen or permanent resident able to obtain an interim or final suitability determination, subject to completion and favorable adjudication of the required background investigation.

Interested?

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

The total compensation for this position is $165K-$200K. Total compensation includes base salary, variable pay (when applicable) plus benefits. The range is determined by the position, geographic location and level. Individual pay within the range is determined by several factors including location, education or training, relevant work history, sales incentive structure and job-related skills.

Rohde & Schwarz is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by law.