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SOR Engineering Manager

Kirtland, Kirtland Air Force Base Auxiliary Field, New Mexico Job ID JR2026504985 Category Security Clearance Role Type Onsite Post Date Apr. 15, 2026 Security Clearance Required
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Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Work at the forefront of innovation! Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) Space Mission Systems (SMS) is seeking a highly skilled SOR Engineering Manager to lead a Starfire Optical Range (SOR) Engineering and Technician team in Albuquerque, NM on the Kirtland AFB.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.The SOR team leads the development of advanced technologies to support the United States Space Force in the area of R&D of Space Domain Awareness.

This Engineering Manager will set the strategy, lead execution, and support employee development of a multidisciplinary team of 20+ engineers and technicians. In addition to being an engineering leader you’ll also be helping to execute various programs in the SOR portfolio. 

What you’ll do

  • Lead and develop a diverse team of engineers and technicians across electro-optical systems, sensors, software, data analysis, and operations.

  • Establish and improve engineering processes, tools, and metrics that drive technical excellence, on-contract performance, and continuous improvement.

  • Build strong relationships with customers.

  • Responsible for cost, schedule, and technical performance. 

  • Takes a collaborative approach to develop and execute project and process plans.

  • Acquire and allocate resources that support mission needs.

  • Foster an inclusive, psychologically safe culture where employees feel empowered to raise safety, quality, and schedule concerns early.

  • Champion career growth, mentoring, succession planning, and talent pipelines; attract and retain top engineering talent.

Who you are

  • A leader with an engineering background and a track record of delivering complex hardware/software systems in a mission-driven environment.

  • Skilled at building high-trust teams, developing leaders, and scaling organizations through clear goals, coaching, and data-informed decisions.

  • Comfortable balancing strategic direction with technical oversight and rigorous program execution.

Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:

  • Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security.

  • You will have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems.

  • You will lead a team of elite engineers and be part of supportive enthusiastic team of experts.

  • We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement.

Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment: To be considered for this position you will be required to complete an assessment as part of the selection process.  Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • 5+ years experience in engineering

  • 1+ years of experience in a leadership role, leading teams or projects to successful completion

  • 1+ years of experience with project management

  • Candidates must have at least one year of experience in a leadership role (team leader, temp manager, large scale cross functional project/program management, or formal manager experience) OR have completed the Boeing internal course “Exploring Leadership.”

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience working with electro-optics, including lasers (CW, Pulse), opto-mechanics, data analysis, or software development

  • Excellent communications skills, verbal and written

  • Ability to effectively communicate at all levels of management, customers, and partners

  • Ability to build a safe environment of inclusion, transparency, and trust

  • Experience providing active mentorship and career guidance

  • Strong leadership skills & the ability to motivate and hold people accountable

  • Keen eye for details and a focus on continuous process improvement

  • Exceptional time management skills

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) process.

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and several programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary pay range: $141,100 - $190,900


Applications for this position will be accepted until Apr. 30, 2026


Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift


Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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Your Benefits

No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.

  • Generous company match to your 401(k).
  • Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
  • Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
  • Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
Explore more benefits

These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.

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