Mechanical Engineering Manager

Mainstream Engineering

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) + 7 years of relevant experience or MS in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) + 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience leading or mentoring mechanical engineering teams.
  • 3.3 GPA or higher in all completed degrees.
  • US Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations.
  • Strong grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical design, analysis, and product development.
  • Proficient with CAD and engineering analysis tools.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
  • Provide technical direction across R&D and product programs.
  • Establish engineering methodologies and objectives.
  • Guide mechanical design, analysis, and testing procedures.
  • Ensure engineering designs are validated and ready for production.
  • Maintain high engineering quality standards and problem-solving rigor.
  • Explore and integrate new technologies into engineering projects.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies for military and commercial clients.
  • Engagement in diverse and challenging engineering tasks.
  • Potential for significant influence on engineering direction and R&D efforts.
  • Hands-on involvement in technical development and problem-solving.
  • Collaboration with manufacturing and cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
We are looking for a motivated Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers developing cutting-edge products and technologies for military, governmental, and commercial customers. This role combines technical leadership, project ownership, mentorship, and hands-on engineering.

Our engineers drive projects from concept through production, working across design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. The Mechanical Engineering Manager will provide technical direction, mentor engineers, oversee project execution, and help solve challenging real-world engineering problems while remaining engaged in the technical work.

Our R&D spans a wide range of technologies, including advanced HVAC systems, engine electrification, robotics, additive manufacturing, hypersonic vehicle components, laser weapon cooling, and more. No two days are the same, and this role offers significant opportunity to influence the direction of both our engineering team and future R&D efforts.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.
  • Provide technical direction and oversight across multiple R&D and product development programs.
  • Establish engineering approaches, development plans, and technical objectives for projects.
  • Review and guide mechanical design, analysis, simulation, prototyping, and testing activities.
  • Ensure engineering designs are appropriately analyzed, validated, tested, and transitioned toward production.
  • Maintain high standards for engineering quality, technical rigor, documentation, and problem solving.
  • Help engineers identify and investigate new technologies and approaches.
  • Balance technical priorities, project schedules, resources, and customer requirements.
  • Participate in hands-on engineering activities, including design reviews, analysis, prototype development, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Interface directly with customers and provide technical leadership during project development.
  • Support proposal development, technical presentations, and new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing and other functional groups to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.
  • Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, capabilities, and team performance.
Position Requirements
  • BSME + 7 years of relevant engineering experience OR MSME + 5 years of relevant engineering experience from an accredited university.
  • Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring mechanical engineers and/or technical teams.
  • GPA of 3.3 or higher at all completed degree levels.
  • US Citizenship required due to strict ITAR regulations.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing, or product development.
  • Experience taking engineering concepts through prototype development, testing, iteration, and production.
  • Experience with CAD and engineering analysis tools.
  • ANSYS experience with an understanding of the importance of correlating analytical results with physical testing.
  • Strong technical communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing leadership and direction to others.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with FEA and/or CFD, particularly ANSYS/FLUENT.
  • Experience designing and testing mechanical systems or components.
  • Knowledge of laboratory testing equipment and experimental setups.
  • Experience with design for manufacturing and working directly with manufacturing personnel.
  • Experience in one or more of Mainstream's technical focus areas.
  • Experience supporting technical proposals or customer presentations.
  • Experience working in an R&D, defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced manufacturing environment.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Mainstream Engineering

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Mechanical Engineering Manager jobs: