Engineering Program Manager - RF Structures & Systems

About Opterus

Opterus Research & Development is an innovative aerospace company based in Loveland, Colorado, specializing in deployable space systems and high-strain composite structures. We combine cutting-edge composite materials, origami-inspired architectures, and elegant engineering to deliver lightweight, high-performance structural systems for commercial, defense, and scientific missions.

Position Overview

The Engineering Program Manager – RF Structures & Systems will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of spacecraft communications hardware and integrated deployable RF structures. You will be responsible for driving program planning, schedules, budgets, risk management, design maturity, and stakeholder communication while also providing hands-on technical guidance at key decision points. Experience with deployable RF antennas, mechanisms, composite structures, and space-qualified communications systems is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end program execution for RF structures & systems development, including planning, schedules, cost tracking, and risk management.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, structures, manufacturing, test).
• Drive milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure technical and programmatic readiness.
• Serve as the main point of contact for customer communications and deliverables
• Lead end-to-end requirements management activities: translate customer needs into traceable system requirements and develop comprehensive verification plans and artifacts

Technical Ownership – RF Structures & Systems

• Guide system architecture decisions and strategy for developing new RF payloads, antennas, and deployable RF structures
• Provide program-level oversight for the design, analysis, prototyping, and qualification of deployable RF structures
• Support RF system modeling, link budgets, system level performance assessments, and integration with spacecraft bus components
• Work with structural and mechanical engineers to ensure alignment between RF performance requirements and deployable structure design
• Review and approve engineering documentation, design analyses, test plans, and test reports
• Collaborate with structural and composite teams to ensure manufacturability and repeatable build processes
• Support integration and test of antennas, materials, mechanisms, and RF subsystems, including environmental and functional testing

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Partner closely with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to ensure smooth production and delivery
• Identify program inefficiencies and lead continuous improvement initiatives
• Mentor engineers and contribute to the development of internal engineering standards and best practices
• Support sales activities including customer requirements discovery, concept and project planning, project estimating, and cost support
• Contribute to company outreach activities including marketing and lead generation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft systems or hardware development
• Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary aerospace hardware programs
• Experience with space‑qualified hardware and environmental test campaigns
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across technical and programmatic domains
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with high levels of ownership and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of RF antenna systems, link budgets, RF architectures, or deployable RF structures
• Experience with deployable antennas, mechanisms, or structural‑RF integrated systems
• Familiarity with composites or precision structures
• PMP certification or formal project management training
• Experience with NASA, DoD, or commercial space qualification processes
• Background in small‑company, rapid‑development environments

Compensation and Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules (two or more days in office per week)
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Opterus pays 100% of employees' premiums and 70% of dependents' premiums
• 401K matching up to 4%
• 9 paid holidays

Engineering Program Manager Level II: $110,000-$135,000/per year

Engineering Program Manager Level III: $130,000-$160,000/per year