Engineering Manager

Cartridge Actuated Devices • Fairfield, NJ

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Engineering Manager leads and oversees the engineering department for the design, development, project management, qualification and certification of pyrotechnic and high precision explosive devices, ensuring the development, safety, quality, and compliance of these products and systems. This role involves managing engineering projects, guiding technical teams, and collaborating with quality, manufacturing, safety, and regulatory teams to innovate and deliver reliable, compliant pyrotechnic and high precision explosive devices, solutions for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.

Requirements

• Knowledge of energetic materials, explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems used in aerospace and defense applications.
• Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, safety protocols, and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a high-stakes environment.
• Effective decision-making and strategic planning skills.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, SAP, Sightline, Sage, Epicor.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, excel, power point, share point.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Effective leadership and team management abilities.
• Project management experience or familiarity with aerospace development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of testing, validation, manufacturing, and quality control processes for energetic products.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and meet critical deadlines.
• Experience with compliance documentation and certification processes.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degrees are a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in pyrotechnics, explosives, energetics, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in aerospace component development, testing, or systems integration.
• Strong understanding of aerospace design standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA, USG, DOD Requirements).
• Knowledge of explosive and energetic materials, chemistry, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects involving hazardous materials.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies and obtaining certifications or approvals for energetic products.
• Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks), simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB), and test equipment.
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental testing.
• Knowledge of air worthiness certification, supplemental type certification, and parts manufacturing authority.
• Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident).
• Must be able to obtain (and maintain) the ATF Possessor License as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Industry certifications related to aerospace engineering (e.g., ASQ certifications, IPC certifications).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers specializing in pyrotechnic design, testing, and qualification
• Oversee the development of new pyrotechnic and high precision explosive devices products and systems, ensuring they meet technical specifications, safety standards, and customer requirements.
• Oversee the formulation, manufacturing, testing, and validation of explosive and energetic materials, ensuring adherence to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including compliance with agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), DOT, OSHA, and EPA.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with relevant industry standards, including MIL-STD, ISO, and safety regulations.
• Establish and maintain rigorous safety protocols, handling procedures, and quality assurance processes for sensitive and hazardous energetic materials.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely, within-scope, and cost-effective delivery of critical defense and aerospace projects.
• Collaborate with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to obtain approvals, certifications, and compliance throughout product development and deployment.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
• Coordinate and oversee safety assessments, environmental testing, and certification activities for pyrotechnic devices.
• Establish and maintain engineering processes, best practices, and documentation for design, testing, and production.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource planning for engineering initiatives.
• Collaborate with regulatory, safety, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure compliance and product reliability.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for engineering-related issues, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current on advancements in pyrotechnic materials, safety standards, and industry regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior