Engineering Manager

Amentum•Houston, TX

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to build, stand up, and activate a multi-disciplinary engineering organization in support of a full-scale launch test, research, and development program. This critical leadership role is responsible for establishing the engineering team, operating cadence, and execution discipline, and for leading the team through all phases of test site development—from initial design through fabrication, installation, and activation. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in test systems and rapid prototyping, controls, and data acquisition; combined with proven leadership capability in building teams, establishing operational rhythms, and delivering complex, high-stakes engineering programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
10+ years of progressive engineering experience, with significant emphasis on testing, test infrastructure, or R&D environments
Minimum of 3–5 years in an engineering leadership or management role
Experience in standing up or activating a new technical activity
Demonstrated experience in test planning, execution, and data analysis
Proven track record in rapid prototyping and iterative development
Strong background in multi-disciplinary engineering involving mechanical, electrical, controls, and/or instrumentation systems
Experience with design for manufacturability and installation planning
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly
Proven ability to manage schedules, resources, and priorities in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Strong technical documentation review skills and attention to detail
Experience leading teams through high-pressure situations and tight timelines
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and drive decisions
Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret US Government Clearance.
US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
Experience with launch systems, propulsion testing, or aerospace test operations
Familiarity with government acquisition processes and defense contractor environments
Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid)
Knowledge of systems engineering principles and practices
Previous experience managing capital projects

Responsibilities

Stand up and activate a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including defining roles, responsibilities, operating cadence, and execution norms
Establish and lead regular office stand-ups and execution reviews to drive alignment, accountability, and rapid issue resolution
Lead and mentor engineers across multiple disciplines throughout the complete lifecycle of a one-of-a-kind test site
Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between engineering, operations, and program management teams
Lead structured problem-solving efforts to rapidly address emergent technical and schedule issues
Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that promotes technical excellence and continuous improvement
Conduct performance reviews, provide career development guidance, and grow team capability over time
Direct design, fabrication, installation, and activation activities for full-scale launch test sites
Lead rapid prototyping and development efforts to address emergent program needs
Review and approve technical documentation, including requirements, design specifications, installation and validation procedures, and technical reports
Apply appropriate technical rigor across all activities using sound engineering judgment and program guidance
Provide expert guidance on testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data acquisition strategies
Make critical technical decisions and trade-offs to optimize test site performance, safety, and capability
Drive innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges in launch testing environments
Serve as the primary technical interface with the Program Chief Engineer
Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, identifying critical path activities and resource requirements
Track milestones, manage dependencies, and proactively identify and mitigate technical and execution risks
Use office stand-ups, reviews, and metrics to monitor progress and maintain execution discipline
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities, deliverables, and schedule commitments
Allocate resources effectively to balance multiple concurrent efforts and competing priorities