Product Design Engineering Manager

Spectrolab, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, is seeking a Product Design Engineering Manager to lead the Product Design Engineering team in Sylmar, CA.

Spectrolab, Inc., a pioneering leader in space solar power for over 70 years, develops the highest-efficiency commercial space solar cells that enable cutting-edge satellite missions. With a legacy of technical excellence and a focus on innovation, Spectrolab is powering the future of space exploration and commercial satellites—at a time when a wave of new companies is creating exciting and diverse missions. Join Spectrolab to help deliver the solar technologies that make ambitious space missions possible.

Spectrolab’s factory is located in the north side of Los Angeles, offering access to the city’s world-class culture, dining, and entertainment. The Sylmar location provides convenient “reverse commute” options for people living across the San Fernando Valley—from Sherman Oaks to Pasadena—as well as straightforward commutes from Santa Clarita and other northern Los Angeles County areas. Spectrolab offers a break from the famously difficult Los Angeles commutes.

This Product Design Engineering Manager will be responsible for overseeing the design and development of new space solar panels and wings, focusing on the full product lifecycle from concept through release to production. The manager will ensure that design activities align with product requirements, quality standards, cost targets, and schedule milestones.

This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test engineering, to develop innovative, manufacturable, and high-quality aerospace products. The manager will also provide leadership in design process improvements, mentor engineers on best design practices, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.

Due to project demands and collaboration with diverse teams, this manager may need to work flexible hours and occasional weekends as necessary.

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  Manage employees performing activities within multiple (2 or more) engineering disciplines related to product design and development

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  Guide the Product Design Engineering team to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective space power solutions

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  Develop and execute project and design plans, implement policies and procedures, and establish operational goals that support product development lifecycle milestones

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  Acquire resources for design projects, provide technical oversight for suppliers and external partners, and lead continuous design process improvements

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  Build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners, and direct reports to ensure alignment and foster collaboration

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  Provide oversight and approval for technical design approaches, product configurations, and design deliverables

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  Manage, develop, and motivate employees by fostering a positive and performance-driven work environment

The ideal candidate will exhibit strong engineering technical expertise in solar array design while being a highly effective and inspiring leader, demonstrated by their commitment to:

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  Prioritizing the development and career growth of employees and the engineering team

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  Inspiring and empowering the team through collaboration, clear communication, and genuine care

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  Building and nurturing an inclusive culture by seeking diverse perspectives, encouraging open dialogue, and actively listening to team members and stakeholders

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  Creating a psychologically safe workplace environment where employees feel comfortable raising safety, quality, and schedule concerns promptly and proactively

• 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

• Experience in using basic MS Office software tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Experience of working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Two years experience managing an engineering team or 7 years experience as an engineer with demonstrated experience leading technical projects and teams

• Experience with statistical process control

• Lean Six Sigma certifications highly desired; Green Belt minimum preferred, with ideal candidate possessing Black Belt or higher

• Active Secret Clearance

• Experience leading root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

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

• Master of Science in an engineering discipline

• Previous management experience

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

• Leadership skills to lead and influence positive outcomes

• Previous experience leading, mentoring, and engaging individuals and teams

• Experience providing active mentorship and career guidance

• Ability to up-level existing team by hiring high-performance talent, growing leaders, and helping underperforming members

• Ability to gain trust of the team and provide guidance for their careers

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

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.

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