Sr Manager Engineering

Repkon•Tampa, FL

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Manager Engineering is a senior engineering leader for Paligen Aerospace & Defense’s division, based onsite in Tampa, Florida, and reporting to the Chief Technology Officer. The role leads multidisciplinary engineering teams and advances manufacturing and product engineering capabilities. It focuses on aligning engineering work with technology strategy, maintaining engineering standards, integrating R&D, scaling innovations, and driving technical integrity and engineering excellence. The position sets and enforces engineering standards, supports design and production programs, and advances technologies from concept to production. It partners with Operations and Program Management to execute defense and commercial projects safely and in compliance with applicable requirements. The role also supports technical engagement with customers, regulators, government stakeholders, and industry forums. Travel is approximately 25%; the work environment includes office work and travel to manufacturing and customer locations. A background investigation and drug screen are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, defense/aerospace, or explosives/energetic materials industries.
5+ years of leadership and people-management experience.
Proven record of leading engineering organizations, emphasizing technical standards, governance, and innovation.
Strong background in safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance, including OSHA, EPA, ATF, and DoD.
Ability to drive technical decision-making, resolve complex engineering challenges, and balance innovation with execution.
Excellent communication skills for engaging with senior leaders, customers, and regulators.
Willingness to travel approximately 25%.
Ability to complete a required background investigation and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience working with DoD or other government customers and contracts.

Responsibilities

Define and implement the division’s engineering strategy in alignment with the CTO’s product and technology roadmap.
Serve as design authority for engineering deliverables, ensuring best practices, technical rigor, and compliance.
Lead development of division-wide engineering standards, manufacturing processes, design practices, and engineering management systems.
Oversee engineering, hazard analyses, and risk assessments for high-hazard facilities.
Establish technical review boards when necessary and lead design reviews to ensure technical soundness and regulatory compliance.
Partner with Operations leaders to ensure engineered systems support safe, reliable, and efficient plant commissioning and operations.
Provide technical oversight for facility design, modifications, and expansions.
Collaborate with R&D teams to transition new processes and products into manufacturable solutions.
Identify emerging technologies and capabilities that strengthen the division’s position in defense and commercial markets.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance technical capabilities and product reliability.
Build and mentor a high-performing engineering organization across process, mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
Lead technical succession planning and workforce development for critical engineering skills.
Foster a culture of technical curiosity, innovation, safety, and collaboration.
Support collaborations with educational institutions and develop internship projects to build the future engineering talent pipeline.
In collaboration with the CTO, represent the division technically with defense and commercial customers, regulators, and government stakeholders.
Support the Aerospace and Defense business with technical input on proposals, customer meetings, and strategic initiatives.
Represent the division at industry and government forums to influence standards and showcase capabilities.