Engineering Manager

Cartridge Actuated Devices

$100K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in pyrotechnics or explosives, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace design standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA, DOD).
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale, complex projects in high-stakes environments.
  • Proficient in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks) and simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB).

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage a team of engineers in the design and testing of pyrotechnics and explosives.
  • Oversee development processes to meet safety standards and customer requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards for explosive materials.
  • Maintain rigorous safety protocols and quality assurance processes for handling hazardous materials.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources for timely delivery of projects.
  • Collaborate with regulatory bodies to secure necessary certifications and approvals.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the engineering team.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling options.
  • Opportunities for professional development and ongoing education.
  • Travel reimbursement for site visits between manufacturing locations.
Full Job Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Engineering Manager leads and oversees the engineering department for the design,
development, project management, qualification and certification of pyrotechnic and high
precision explosive devices, ensuring the development, safety, quality, and compliance of these
products and systems. This role involves managing engineering projects, guiding technical
teams, and collaborating with quality, manufacturing, safety, and regulatory teams to innovate
and deliver reliable, compliant pyrotechnic and high precision explosive devices, solutions for
defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Engineering will be responsible leading the Engineering team, and executing the strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans. The Engineering duties and responsibilities are as follows:
  • Lead and manage a team of engineers specializing in pyrotechnic design, testing, and qualification
  • Oversee the development of new pyrotechnic and high precision explosive devices products and systems, ensuring they meet technical specifications, safety standards, and customer requirements.
  • Oversee the formulation, manufacturing, testing, and validation of explosive and energetic materials, ensuring adherence to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, including compliance with agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), DOT, OSHA, and EPA.
  • Ensure all products and processes comply with relevant industry standards, including MIL-STD, ISO, and safety regulations.
  • Establish and maintain rigorous safety protocols, handling procedures, and quality assurance processes for sensitive and hazardous energetic materials.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely, within-scope, and cost-effective delivery of critical defense and aerospace projects.
  • Collaborate with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to obtain approvals, certifications, and compliance throughout product development and deployment.
  • Promote a culture of operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
  • Coordinate and oversee safety assessments, environmental testing, and certification activities for pyrotechnic devices.
  • Establish and maintain engineering processes, best practices, and documentation for design, testing, and production.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource planning for engineering initiatives.
  • Collaborate with regulatory, safety, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure compliance and product reliability.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for engineering-related issues, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Stay current on advancements in pyrotechnic materials, safety standards, and industry regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Physical activity includes walking, standing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders and lifting up to 40lbs. Must be able to drive an automobile for short and long distances.

The candidate for this position will have to spend long hours using a computer, which can cause eye strain. This position will have to manage a number of requests and situations at one time. Stress may be caused by the need to complete tasks within tight deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Performs office activities in a lighted and ventilated area. May be subject to changes in temperature and exposure to dust. Will be exposed to uncontrolled environmental conditions while driving. Will work in a normally acceptable office environment, with no abnormal hazards or risks. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel between two manufacturing sites, Byram NJ and Fairfield.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
  • Knowledge of energetic materials, explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems used in aerospace and defense applications.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace engineering principles, safety protocols, and handling procedures for hazardous materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams in a high-stakes environment.
  • Effective decision-making and strategic planning skills.
  • Strong knowledge of ERP systems, SAP, Sightline, Sage, Epicor.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, excel, power point, share point.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Effective leadership and team management abilities.
  • Project management experience or familiarity with aerospace development lifecycle.
  • Industry certifications related to aerospace engineering (e.g., ASQ certifications, IPC certifications).
  • Strong understanding of testing, validation, manufacturing, and quality control processes for energetic products.
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and meet critical deadlines.
  • Experience with compliance documentation and certification processes.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced degrees are a plus.
  • 5+ years of experience in pyrotechnics, explosives, energetics, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Experience in aerospace component development, testing, or systems integration.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace design standards and regulations (e.g., AS9100, FAA, EASA, USG, DOD Requirements).
  • Knowledge of explosive and energetic materials, chemistry, safety protocols, and regulatory standards.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects involving hazardous materials.
  • Experience working with regulatory agencies and obtaining certifications or approvals for energetic products.
  • Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks), simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB), and test equipment.
  • Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental testing.
  • Knowledge of air worthiness certification, supplemental type certification, and parts manufacturing authority.
    DISCLAIMER
    The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Similar Jobs

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Engineering Manager jobs: