Engineering Manager - Air to Air Refueling

Eaton’s AER MSD Mission System Division division is currently seeking an Engineering Manager – Air to Air Refueling. This role is based in Davenport, IA. Relocation assistance will be provided to candidates within the hiring country.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $130,000–$190,000 per year. The position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.

Eaton Aerospace Group Mission Systems Division (MSD) has an opening for an Engineering Manager – AAR Lead who reports to the Senior Engineering Manager – Wimborne. The primary function is to lead the development of Air‑to‑Air Refueling (AAR) systems and products, including hose and drogue systems, fuel tanks, and refueling probes, as part of the Davenport portfolio.

The responsibilities include organizational capability development, global Aerospace alignment, improved program execution using disciplined engineering processes, risk management and portfolio/resource planning using leading indicators and metrics. Additional focus areas are the implementation of organizational performance measures, development of best‑cost‑country engineering capabilities, refinement and implementation of technology strategy for specific business units, and advancement of engineering capabilities to support next‑generation products and systems.

• Lead a global team of up to 40 highly professional and technical engineering staff to develop AAR systems and components. The team is responsible for initial customer engagement, bid and proposal activities, product development through qualification, and support to the sustaining engineering team.
• Lead the development program execution using robust design practices and efficient methods.
• Organize and build a talent base within the AAR engineering team, create opportunities for growth, and provide functional leadership for engineering managers and teams.
• Assure that efforts to improve the efficiency of engineering functions are emphasized through creative organizational management, effective use of engineering tools, appropriate training, and continuous improvement.
• Drive consistency and best practices across the organization with respect to product documentation, design standards, and related material specifications.
• Assure that product designs are competitive on a global basis with respect to quality, reliability, and cost.
• Establish customer relationships to enable successful product execution.
• Collaborate with Sr. Manager – AAR Wimborne on development projects, innovation, and processes.
• Collaborate with peers across MSD to build skill depth, share best practices, and provide assistance in achieving site and divisional goals.
• Use robust design best practices (Design for Six Sigma, DFSS) and promote the “analysis first” mindset.
• Build capability in the AAR team utilizing digital processes aligned to the Aerospace Group strategy, including MBD and MBSE.
• Assure that proprietary rights and product liability concerns of Aerospace Group are addressed by interacting with corporate legal staff members.
• Establish an engineering strategy and implement tactical measures to ensure implementation is realized.
• Lead the team efforts supporting the continued growth and productivity of the Pune, India engineering center.
• Identify key engineering metrics, monitor performance, and implement improvements accordingly.
• Maintain close liaison with the Operational Excellence organization to ensure high quality and year‑over‑year manufacturing cost reductions.
• Establish and maintain contacts with universities to develop advanced products and potential new hires.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution is required.
• At least 10 years of experience within aerospace or a high‑tech industry with new product development and sustaining support.
• At least 5 years of experience leading or managing people (direct or indirect).
• Eaton will not consider applicants for immigration sponsorship or support for this position. U.S. citizenship is required.

• Advanced engineering degree or MBA preferred.
• At least 15 years of…