Aerospace Engineering Manager

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $130,000/year (Higher salary available based on experience)

Lead a multi-discipline engineering organization supporting Mechanical, Structural, Electrical, and Aerodynamic programs. This role oversees engineering strategy, technical execution, team development, program delivery, and product development from initial feasibility through design, qualification testing, and production transition.

Direct engineering activities across multiple concurrent programs.

Plan engineering resources, staffing, schedules, workloads, budgets, estimates, and equipment needs.

Build, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team.

Establish department goals, KPIs, priorities, and performance expectations.

Monitor program milestones and communicate progress, risks, and corrective actions to senior leadership.

Lead design reviews and maintain engineering standards, guidelines, and development processes.

Ensure technical work meets applicable quality, safety, FAA, and certification requirements.

Provide technical leadership to Sales and Operations for engineering strategy and delivery planning.

Support business development, proposals, technical compliance matrices, and engineering feasibility assessments.

Identify root causes of missed targets and implement corrective actions, process improvements, and training.

Promote engineering innovation while maintaining focus on safety, manufacturability, quality, and cost effectiveness.

Maintain current knowledge of aerospace engineering practices, tools, and methods.

Support AS9100, Lean, and other quality initiatives.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.

10+ years of progressive engineering management experience, preferably in aerospace or defense.

Experience with aerospace product development, including STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) and FAA certification processes.

5+ years of experience with FAR compliance and signature authority in an FAA and/or military certification environment.

Experience managing multiple engineering programs with varying scope and complexity.

Proficiency with SolidWorks and Microsoft Office.

Strong project management, planning, organizational, and team leadership skills.

Ability to motivate teams, manage deadlines, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Strong customer relationship, verbal, and written communication skills.

Ability to evaluate complex business and technical requirements.

Broad knowledge of engineering, aircraft modification, FAA certification, and STC processes.

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.

Business or financial background, including Business Administration or Finance.

Familiarity with commercial and Department of Defense (DOD) contracting processes.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.

Clearance eligibility is subject to applicable federal requirements.

Must participate in a Drug Free Workplace Drug Testing Program.

Willingness to complete ongoing engineering, compliance, certification, AS9100, and Lean training as required.

Travel: Up to 50% domestic and international travel.

Physical: Occasionally lift or move bulky items weighing more than 50 lbs.