Sr Manager Engineering

Paligen Technologies • Tampa, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Manager Engineering is a senior engineering leader for Paligen Aerospace & Defense, responsible for leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and advancing manufacturing and product engineering capabilities. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the role aligns engineering work with the division’s technology strategy, standards, innovation, and scale-up goals, while driving technical integrity, R&D integration, and engineering excellence.

The position sets and enforces engineering standards, supports design and production programs, and advances technologies from concept through production. It partners closely with Operations and Program Management to support successful execution, while promoting innovation, safety, and compliance across defense and commercial projects. The role is based onsite in Tampa, Florida, with approximately 25% travel. A background investigation and drug screen are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10 or more years of engineering experience in manufacturing, defense/aerospace, or explosives/energetic materials industries.
• 5 or more years of leadership and people management experience.
• Proven record of leading engineering organizations, with emphasis on 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.
• Ability to meet the background investigation and drug screen requirements.

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 engineering standards, manufacturing processes, design practices, and engineering management systems across the division.
• Oversee engineering, hazard analyses, and risk assessments for high-hazard facilities.
• Establish technical review boards when needed 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 competitive 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 create internship projects to develop future engineering talent.
• In collaboration with the CTO, act as a technical representative for defense and commercial customers, regulators, and government stakeholders.
• Provide technical input on proposals, customer meetings, and strategic initiatives supporting the Aerospace and Defense business.
• Represent the division at industry and government forums to influence standards and showcase capabilities.

What This Job Offers

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