Optomechanical Engineering Manager - Space Technologies

AeroVironment•Albuquerque, NM

10d

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking an Optomechanical Engineering Manager to lead a small team of optical and mechanical engineers supporting diverse research and development programs and small-volume production contracts. The role combines hands-on engineering design and analysis with responsibility for the functional group’s readiness to meet business needs. The manager will guide and grow a team of approximately four to six engineers and ensure satisfactory execution of optical and optomechanical engineering work. The position directly supports a complex space electronics program from concept through production, including development of core spacecraft subsystems and supporting systems. At AeroVironment, optomechanical engineers contribute to system architecture, schematic capture, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance analysis, and initial unit integration and testing. The manager also coordinates product development schedules, collaborates across functions on requirements and verification, reviews testing and analysis for compliance, tracks technical performance measures, and helps improve engineering processes and practices. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering and at least 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in relevant areas. AeroVironment describes a salary range of $136,000–$207,250. The position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under those regulations or be eligible for an export license. The posting also states that U.S. citizenship is required for ITAR purposes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
At least 10 years of mechanical engineering experience in one or more of the following areas: structural and thermal analysis, including analytical calculations and FEA; CAD-based design; tolerance analysis and GD&T; or space hardware design, analysis, integration, and test.
Strong technical writing skills applicable to engineering documentation, including analysis reports, specifications, and requirements documents.
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods and to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; the posting states U.S. citizenship is required for ITAR purposes.

Nice To Haves

15 years of experience in mechanical engineering of space systems.
Strong verbal communication skills for customer interactions at design reviews and supplier interactions.
Ability to adapt quickly to various projects and types of work, manage several projects simultaneously, and prioritize time effectively.
Ability to work independently or as part of a development team.
Experience and willingness to participate hands-on in hardware assembly, integration, and test.
Current U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a small optomechanical engineering team with varied experience and skills, including optical and mechanical engineers.
Develop the optical and optomechanical engineering team through mentorship, hiring, training, career paths, individual and group goals, and business alignment.
Ensure satisfactory execution of all optical and optomechanical engineering work for a team of approximately four to six engineers.
Directly support a complex space electronics program from concept through production, developing core spacecraft subsystems and supporting systems.
Create, maintain, and communicate product development schedules with sufficient detail for assigned personnel to understand 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 assure compliance with requirements.
Identify, track, and report technical performance measures to measure progress and ensure compliance with requirements.
Support development and continuous improvement of engineering processes and best practices through documentation and implementation within engineering teams.
Contribute to system architecture, schematic capture, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance analysis, and initial unit integration and test activities.