Manager, Mechanical Engineering (Sign-on bonus starting at $25k)

Job Title: Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Aircraft *Sign-On Bonus starting at $25k*

Job Code: 43103

Job Location: Waco, TX (Onsite)

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description:

The Mechanical Engineering Manager leads a team of approximately 12 Mechanical Engineers responsible for aircraft system upgrades and structural modifications. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Aerospace Engineering, this leader oversees daily team operations while driving technical excellence, project execution, and process improvement.

Essential Functions:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Mechanical Engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee mechanical design and integration activities for aircraft system upgrades, including primary and secondary structural components, electrical equipment racks, and external antenna installations.
• Ensure high-quality 3D CAD designs, engineering drawings, and design reviews that comply with military and commercial standards, customer specifications, and system requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and engineering judgment for structural layouts, aircraft modifications, and liaison engineering activities.
• Manage resource planning, workload forecasting, job assignments, and manpower estimates for ongoing and future projects.
• Monitor project status, support bid and proposal efforts, and ensure alignment with cost, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Maintain and enhance mechanical engineering processes, ensuring compliance and driving improvements that support efficiency and innovation.
• Own team performance management, including goal setting, coaching, training, and annual reviews.
• Uphold and model the highest ethical standards while promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering and minimum 9 years prior related experience. Graduate Degree (Mechanical, Aeronautical and/or Systems Engineering a plus) with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. 
• Minimum 4 years experience with mechanical design principles of aircraft structure and components.
• Minimum 4 years experience in modifications to aircraft primary and secondary structure.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong analytic and communication skills; ability to coach, train, motivate and manage technical personnel.
• Sound knowledge of engineering theory, design criteria and complex activities.
• Ability to write a concise report of findings.
• Ability to manage complex activities; ability to meet program objectives within contract cost and schedule requirements.
• Ability to motivate others; sound effective listening skills; pays attention to details; ability to work under pressure; and ability to meet deadlines.
• Active Secret security clearance.

#LI-AS1