Manager of Mechanical Engineering (Flight Support Equipment)

• Strategic Planning & Leadership:
• Develop and help implement command media policies, processes, and lifecycle concepts of operations
• Foster relationships with program managers, cross-functional teams, and customer representatives
• Translates strategy into operational processes, recommending changes which impact the sector
• Team Management:
• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of approximately 8 engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
• Proactively monitor team project performance to maintain technical, schedule, and cost baselines
• Facilitate resource forecasting and team performance metrics
• Translates functional plans into operational plans; identifies and executes operational initiatives
• Design, Development & Integration:
• Oversee the design, development, and engineering analysis (e.g., FEA, CAD modeling) of support equipment
• Ensure proper interfaces between units under test and test equipment (e.g., vibration fixtures, thermal chambers, electrical integration)
• Ensure alignment and integration across functional areas, including assembly tooling, test operations, ground operations, production operations, and sustaining engineering
• Procurement & Supplier Management:
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including RFPs, bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor oversight
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of equipment that meets specifications and quality standards
• Fabrication & Manufacturing Support:
• Oversee prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and integration of MGSE and tooling
• Support internal and external manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and optimize processes
• Validation, Testing & Certification:
• Direct the testing, validation, and certification of support equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards (e.g., OSHA, FAA, AS9100)
• Develop and implement rigorous validation protocols
• Lifecycle Management & Maintenance:
• Manage the lifecycle of all equipment, including upgrades, modifications, maintenance, and calibration
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency
• Budgeting & Reporting:
• Manage team budgets, track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and report on equipment schedules, costs, and technical status to senior management
• Contribute to financial planning and decision-making processes
• Compliance & Risk Management:
• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring adherence to internal policies and external regulatory standards
• Drive compliance with safety protocols and industry best practices

Benefits

• Medical Coverage: We offer two comprehensive medical plans, a PPO and an HDHP, designed to prioritize the well-being of our team members
• Dental Coverage: HMO and PPO dental plans are aimed at promoting optimal oral health and reducing costs
• Vision Coverage: Our vision plan offers access to a wide range of in-network and out-of-network providers
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Maximize savings and use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account: This tax-advantaged savings account allows team members to set aside pre-tax funds to cover qualified medical expenses
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Comprehensive Basic and Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance offers financial protection to your family
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance provides wage replacement should you suffer a disability that prevents you from working
• 401K Profit Sharing Plan: Employees may contribute 1% to 100% of base salary up to the annual IRS maximum. Employer match provided with a 5-year vesting schedule
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential service available 24/7 that provides assessment, counseling, resources and referrals to employees
• Professional Development / Educational Reimbursement Plan: Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books and fees.

Preferred experience

• We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission
• We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of relevant experience
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-functional teams, large-scale projects, and cross-organizational initiatives
• Experience designing, testing, and/or operating ground support equipment (GSE) / Tooling
• Strong technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Advanced command of CAD software and engineering analysis tools
• Proficiency in enterprise applications (e.g., PLM, ERP, MES) and data analysis tools
• Operational or hands-on experience in fast-paced dynamic production or operations environment
• Proven track record in equipment design, development, procurement, testing, and project management
• Outstanding analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering
• Extensive experience in aerospace or aviation manufacturing environments
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization