Optomechanical Engineering Manager - Space Technologies

AeroVironment•Albuquerque, NM

11d•$136,000 - $207,250

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking an Optomechanical Engineering Manager to lead a small team of optical and mechanical engineers supporting diverse R&D programs and small-volume production contracts. The role combines hands-on engineering design and analysis with personnel and functional management, including maintaining the group’s readiness to meet business needs. The team’s work includes system architecture, schematic capture, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance analysis, and initial unit integration and test activities. The manager is responsible for satisfactory execution of the team’s Optical and Optomechanical engineering work, with approximately 4–6 engineers. The position also directly supports a complex space electronics program from concept through production, developing core spacecraft subsystems and supporting systems. The work involves coordinating product development schedules, collaborating across functions on requirements and specifications, planning and executing design verification, reviewing tests and analyses for compliance, tracking technical performance measures, and improving engineering processes and practices. The role requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the applicable regulations or be eligible for an export license; U.S. citizenship is required for this posting. The position is described as working in both office and manufacturing environments. The listed salary range is $136,000–$207,250.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
At least 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in one or more of the following: structural and thermal analysis (including analytical calculations and FEA, such as stress, modal, thermal conduction, and bolt-load analysis); CAD design; tolerance analysis and GD&T; or space hardware design, analysis, integration, and test.
Strong technical writing skills for engineering documentation such as analysis reports, specifications, and requirements documents.
Strong verbal communication skills for customer interactions at design reviews and supplier interactions.
Ability to adapt quickly to different projects and types of work, manage several projects simultaneously, and prioritize time effectively.
Ability to work independently or as part of a development team.
Willingness and ability to be hands-on during hardware assembly, integration, and test.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; U.S. citizenship is required for this posting.

Nice To Haves

15 years of experience in mechanical engineering of space systems.
Experience using CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
Current U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a small Optomechanical engineering team consisting of optical and mechanical engineers with varied experience and skill levels.
Mentor, hire, train, and support career development; establish individual and group goals and align the team with business needs.
Ensure satisfactory execution of Optical and Optomechanical engineering work for a team of approximately 4–6 engineers.
Directly support a complex space electronics program from concept through production, including development of core spacecraft subsystems and supporting systems.
Create, maintain, and communicate sufficiently detailed product development schedules so assigned personnel understand their tasks and deadlines.
Collaborate with other functions to define product requirements, develop specifications, and write and execute design verification test plans.
Review testing and analysis activities to ensure compliance with requirements.
Identify, track, and report technical performance measures to measure progress and ensure requirements compliance.
Support development and continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices through documentation and implementation within engineering teams.
Support engineering design and analysis, including system architecture, schematic capture, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance analysis, and initial unit integration and test activities.