Engineering Manager

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Located along Colorado's scenic Front Range and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Longmont offers a high quality of life, breathtaking natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it the perfect place to balance work and play.

This role is an on-site position based in Longmont, CO. Our Laser and Gimbal Systems Division focuses on building high energy lasers and precision opto-mechanical assemblies for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation. At Attalon, we're redefining performance, precision, and reliability in defense technologies.

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead our Mechanical Engineering team based in Longmont, CO. In this position, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on guidance to a multidisciplinary team of mechanical engineers, playing a pivotal role in advancing our engineering capabilities. You will manage team recruitment, performance, and career development, while serving as a mentor to cultivate technical expertise, innovation, and a strong focus on delivering high-quality solutions to our customers.

In addition to overseeing the mechanical design and analytical efforts across our portfolio of Laser and Gimbal Systems, you'll work to enhance the team's technical competencies, ensure affordability, and drive the successful execution of program objectives. This role includes an approximate 80/20 balance between direct program involvement and team/administrative leadership responsibilities.

• Team Leadership and Management
  • Oversee recruitment, career development, performance assessments, salary planning, and employee recognition for the mechanical engineering team.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment by mentoring and coaching engineers, promoting skill development, and ensuring knowledge transfer initiatives.
  • Conduct gap assessments, define training plans, and implement strategies to enhance the team's technical capabilities.
  • Actively promote a customer-focused mindset to ensure the delivery of innovative and reliable mechanical solutions.
• Project and Resource Oversight
  • Plan and manage mechanical design and analysis resources to support the successful execution of a portfolio of laser and gimbal system programs.
  • Allocate resources effectively to support program requirements, meet deadlines, and drive program success.
  • Maintain close oversight of Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) planning and support Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation activities related to mechanical engineering tasks.
• Technical Leadership
  • Serve as the senior subject matter expert in mechanical engineering disciplines, including structural, thermal, materials, and manufacturing design.
  • Champion technical excellence, fostering innovative and cost-effective solutions that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
  • Drive robust engineering processes by enforcing the Engineering Practice Manual (EPM), Design Assurance standards, and design assurance planning.
  • Actively participate in key technical tasks as an individual contributor while providing oversight and direction for all mechanical engineering activities.
• Design and Development
  • Oversee mechanical design, analyses, and integration efforts to ensure alignment with performance, affordability, quality, and safety goals.
  • Review and approve technical documentation, ensuring compliance with quality standards, operational safety, and reliability requirements.
  • Support system-level design coordination with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Electrical, Software, Test, and Manufacturing, to integrate mechanical designs into comprehensive sensor and hardware solutions.
• Program Execution and Business Development Support
  • Support program development efforts, including customer proposal development, system requirements definition, and technical reviews.
  • Guide the team to align engineering efforts with organizational and programmatic goals, ensuring project deadlines and cost-efficiency expectations are met.
• Advancing Technology and Innovation
  • Drive innovation through collaboration, exploration of new methodologies and tools, and integration of advanced engineering technologies for performance improvement.
  • Define and execute strategic initiatives to grow the team's capabilities and align with future program objectives.

• Minimum ten years of related experience in a professional role with a…