Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

2d•$145,561 - $200,145

About The Position

The Manager of Flight Support Equipment (FSE) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management related to Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) and tooling throughout their lifecycle. This role encompasses design, procurement, fabrication, testing, validation, deployment, and long-term maintenance of flight support equipment. The position requires a strong leader with extensive technical, managerial, and operational expertise who can oversee cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with organizational goals and industry standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 6+ years of relevant experience.
Proven track record in equipment design, development, procurement, testing, and project management.
Outstanding analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Advanced command of CAD software and engineering analysis tools
Strong technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Proven ability to lead and manage multi-functional teams, large-scale projects, and cross-organizational initiatives.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources.
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Proficiency in enterprise applications (e.g., PLM, ERP, MES) and data analysis tools.
Operational or hands-on experience in fast-paced dynamic production or operations environment
Experience designing, testing, and/or operating ground support equipment (GSE) / Tooling

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
Extensive experience in aerospace or aviation manufacturing environments.
Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Leadership: Develop and help implement command media policies, processes, and lifecycle concepts of operations. Foster relationships with program managers, cross-functional teams, and customer representatives Translates strategy into operational processes, recommending changes which impact the sector
Team Management Lead, manage, and mentor a team of approximately 8 engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Proactively monitor team project performance to maintain technical, schedule, and cost baselines Facilitate resource forecasting and team performance metrics Translates functional plans into operational plans; identifies and executes operational initiatives.
Design, Development & Integration Oversee the design, development, and engineering analysis (e.g., FEA, CAD modeling) of support equipment. Ensure proper interfaces between units under test and test equipment (e.g., vibration fixtures, thermal chambers, electrical integration). Ensure alignment and integration across functional areas, including assembly tooling, test operations, ground operations, production operations, and sustaining engineering.
Procurement & Supplier Management Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including RFPs, bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor oversight. Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of equipment that meets specifications and quality standards.
Fabrication & Manufacturing Support Oversee prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and integration of MGSE and tooling. Support internal and external manufacturing teams to resolve production issues and optimize processes.
Validation, Testing & Certification Direct the testing, validation, and certification of support equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards (e.g., OSHA, FAA, AS9100). Develop and implement rigorous validation protocols.
Lifecycle Management & Maintenance Manage the lifecycle of all equipment, including upgrades, modifications, maintenance, and calibration. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
Budgeting & Reporting Manage team budgets, track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and report on equipment schedules, costs, and technical status to senior management. Contribute to financial planning and decision-making processes.
Compliance & Risk Management Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring adherence to internal policies and external regulatory standards. Drive compliance with safety protocols and industry best practices.