Job PurposeThe Product Development Engineering Manager leads a multidisciplinary engineering team developing specialized electrochemical products for the defense industry. This role provides technical leadership, sets priorities, and manages projects to meet program schedules while ensuring effective planning, resource alignment, and milestone execution. The manager oversees the development of high-quality, reliable products that meet customer requirements and mission assurance standards. Working closely with customers, defense partners, and suppliers, this position drives new product development and collaborates across Program Management, Quality, Test, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Finance to deliver successful product qualification, customer satisfaction, and business performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver technical excellence while meeting customer requirements, business objectives, and program schedules.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Manufacturing Engineering to improve design for manufacturability practices and drive efficient product transitions into production.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Program Management, and Finance to develop project plans, allocate resources, and ensure successful execution of new product development programs.
- Ensure compliance with applicable defense industry standards, customer requirements, and internal policies, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
- Drive achievement of group-level financial and profitability objectives through effective planning, execution, and resource management.
- Contribute to the organization's long-term strategic vision by identifying opportunities to improve culture, processes, operational effectiveness, and business growth.
- Prepare and review technical proposals in support of strategic business opportunities and competitive funding initiatives.
- Serve as a technical resource and trusted advisor to Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, Finance, and other cross-functional organizations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, government stakeholders, industry partners, and suppliers to strengthen the company's market position and reputation.
- Establish performance expectations, coach and develop team members, conduct performance evaluations, and make recommendations regarding promotions, compensation, and organizational development.
QualificationsRequired Education and Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related scientific discipline required.
- Minimum of five years of engineering leadership or product development experience required.
- Strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and sound business judgment.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external customers and partners.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently while leading and developing high-performing teams.
Preferred Education and Qualifications:- Experience using ANSYS or similar engineering simulation software is a plus.
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Science, or Business (M.S., M.Eng., Ph.D., MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
- Working knowledge of quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and AS9100.
- Familiarity with military, industry standards, and applicable federal regulations related to defense products.
Core Competencies:- Strong project planning, prioritization, and coordination skills.
- Effective leadership, coaching, and people management capabilities.
- Skilled at gathering, evaluating, and applying technical and business information.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to share information across cross-functional teams.
General Job Requirements- This position requires working in a plant/warehouse environment. Therefore, expect varying working conditions.
