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Senior Manager Systems Engineering

Leonardo DRS, Bethel, CT, United States


Senior Manager Systems Engineering
Location: Bethel, CT, US, 06801

Job ID:114297

Job Summary
DRS Naval Power Systems (NPS) has an immediate need for a highly technical Senior Manager Systems/Project Engineering. This highly visible leadership position has two primary responsibilities. First, to provide functional management and technical leadership to a team of 10‑12 project & systems engineers within a matrix organizational engineering structure. Second, this role is expected to lead challenging and innovative technical projects, with the ability to be an effective bridge between engineering, other functions, and senior management. The Project Engineer (PE) Team is responsible for driving engineering product development execution & technical content for DRS’s Naval Power Systems products such as power converters, motor drives, uninterruptible power supplies, energy storage & power distribution systems ranging from several horsepower to multi‑megawatts. Project Engineers are involved in shaping project concepts from the start; collaborate on designs; contribute through individual implementation efforts; and see the results of their accomplishments through completion of integration and test.

In the functional manager role, this position will manage resources in support of a large number of active development programs. This role baselines individual expectations, performs performance evaluations, provides performance‑based feedback, career development, resource/skill gap assessments, and hiring recommendations. This role also monitors and manages the performance of the team through development and evaluation of metrics, including reporting up to senior management. Additionally, this role is expected to drive engineering efficiencies through continuous improvement efforts.

In the technical leader role, this position is responsible for estimating, planning, and driving technical execution of U.S. military and customized commercial projects ranging from

As part of regular activities, this role may have significant supplier and customer interaction. The ideal candidate is an individual possessing strong systems engineering skills, combined with engineering team leadership skills. The ability to set a vision for a team and influence its adoption is a key skillset.

What You Will Do

Manage resource allocations for a team of Project & Systems Engineers

Interview and hire staff to support resource demands and skill needs

Conduct annual reviews, provide feedback, training, and career guidance to develop future engineering leaders

Ensure that Business Engineering Labor Forecast accurately reflects Basis-of-Estimate commitments across all NPS product lines

Apply knowledge of systems engineering to support the engineering design and integration of complex systems, subsystems, or assemblies to develop high technology products

Initiate, develop, and lead engineering efficiency and other continuous improvement efforts

Ensure the Project Engineers drive execution of the detailed technical work scope to the required quality, schedule and budget

Organize, lead, and motivate technical teams in the design and development of challenging products and systems including budgeting, project selection, execution oversight, and alignment with business objectives

Develop project plans and pre‑contract proposal estimates

Confidently and competently represent DRS in front of customers, including the US Navy

Clearly communicate, orally and in writing, technical and programmatic information to technical and non‑technical individuals

Collaboration with other departments, DRS locations, and suppliers to solve problems and develop cost‑effective, high‑quality solutions

Lead project engineers in the management of programs using standard EVM tools, analysis, and reporting exhibits, Variance Analysis, Root Cause and Corrective Action, and Risk and Opportunity Proactive Management to ensure programs remain on schedule, on budget, and meeting technical requirements

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from a 4‑year accredited college or university in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

A minimum of 10 years of experience leading or managing a team of individual contributors

Demonstrated life‑cycle experience driving product development life from concept to qualified / fielded systems

Experience leading the design, development and integration of complex systems, subsystems, or assemblies to develop high technology products within a concurrent engineering environment

Comprehensive knowledge of sophisticated program management methodologies

Spearheads investigations into root causes and formulating corrective measures for product or process anomalies

Mandates adherence to precise design processes, both internal and customer‑specific technical criteria, among the engineering team

Embedding and promulgating the mission, values, and philosophical framework of the organization

Provision of mentorship and career guidance to subordinate staff

Strong sense of ownership and high level of accountability

Demonstrated focus on designing to cost targets, while meeting key system performance requirements

Experience creating conceptual designs, technical documentation, and budget estimates for bid and proposals

Experience managing development programs using Waterfall and Agile methods

Significant experience with standard EVM tools, analysis, and reporting exhibits, Variance Analysis, Root Cause and Corrective Action, and Risk and Opportunity Proactive Management

Experience of leading the successful integration of multiple sub‑systems

Competent at juggling multiple tasks and adjusting to fluctuating workloads, schedules, and priorities

An advanced MS degree in engineering or an MBA is advantageous

Solid Understanding in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE / Digital Twin) using Cameo Systems Modeler

Experience using IBM Rational DOORS to develop and manage requirements, to support the configuration control of customer (master) and supplier (elaboration) requirement modules

Experience with execution of projects for the US military or foreign Navy

Familiarity with industrial and military design specifications

Experience with the development of electric controls, electric motor/drive systems, electro‑mechanical systems, or other power electronics, and IRAD programs

Experience designing/developing Navy surface and sub‑surface equipment

Familiarity with military standards such as MIL‑S‑901, MIL‑STD-461, MIL‑STD-1399, and SS‑473

Practical exposure and hands‑on experience with Department of Defense programs

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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