Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

Dayton, OH

• Onsite
• Permanent/Direct Hire
• Full Benefits
• $130,000 - $170,000

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead and grow our engineering team in a newly created leadership position. This role blends strategic team management and project oversight with a foundation in mechanical engineering.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in mechanical design, hands‑on prototyping, and cross‑functional leadership, with the direct drive and clear pathway to advance into an Engineering Director position within 1 to 3 years.

• Direct Management:
  Lead, mentor, and build a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Process & Strategy:
  Establish engineering best practices, standardize design workflows, and guide the long‑term technical vision of the department.
• Leadership Advancement:
  Work closely with senior executive leadership to prepare for a transition into an Engineering Director role within 1-3 years.

• Project Oversight:
  Drive multiple concurrent engineering projects from initial concept through production release, ensuring alignment with deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Serve as the primary engineering liaison to quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and external stakeholders.

• Design &
  
  Qualification:
  
  Oversee the conceptualization, design, and qualification of complex mechanical systems and valves to meet stringent customer and military specifications.
• Prototyping & Testing:
  Direct hands‑on prototype assembly, performance testing, and environmental qualification testing.
• Sustaining Support:
  Guide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives, continuous improvement, and re‑design efforts for existing legacy product lines.

• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 7+ years in mechanical design engineering, with demonstrable growth into leadership or management roles.
• Leadership:
  Proven track record of managing engineering teams, leading cross‑functional initiatives, or overseeing complex engineering projects.
• Technical Hardware Background:
  Direct experience with hands‑on hardware development, assembly, and functional prototyping/testing.

• Specialized Engineering:
  Direct design or management experience with mechanical valves, fuel valves, hydraulic systems, or electro‑mechanical design.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Strong background in Aerospace & Defense products and familiarity with Mil‑Spec standards.
• Manufacturing Focus:
  Deep knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.