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Project Engineering Manager (PEM) is a senior technical leader responsible for directing and developing a team of Project Engineers to successfully deliver complex aerospace composite programs from development through production. The PEM ensures alignment between technical execution, program objectives, and operational goals while fostering a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Engineering Operations, the PEM leads the strategic oversight and tactical execution of multiple engineering projects across commercial and defense aerospace programs, including platforms such as LEAP, GEnx, GE9X, F-35, CH-53K, Falcon 9, Beta Alia, and Bell 525. The PEM plays a key role in planning, resource allocation, and mentoring to ensure technical quality, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to a team of Project Engineers, ensuring the successful execution of engineering projects across multiple programs.
- Own the staffing strategy and performance management for the project engineering team, balancing resource assignments based on business priorities and program demands.
- Oversee project engineering deliverables, including design definition, manufacturing support, MRB, RCCA, and technical customer communication, ensuring adherence to quality, cost, and schedule targets.
- Serve as the technical liaison between engineering, operations, program management, and external customers, facilitating alignment and resolving cross-functional challenges.
- Lead functional excellence initiatives across the project engineering discipline, including implementation of lean practices, continuous improvement, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Drive adherence to AEC's engineering processes, quality standards, and regulatory compliance, while supporting the development of best practices and standardized work.
- Manage and report on engineering performance metrics and program status to senior leadership, escalating issues and proposing mitigation plans when necessary.
- Support proposal development efforts through technical scoping, cost estimation, and strategic planning for new business pursuits.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for high-impact technical issues, and guide the team through complex problem-solving scenarios.
- Foster a culture of technical rigor, ownership, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or composite product development, including at least 3 years in a technical leadership or engineering management role.
- Strong background in composite manufacturing processes (layup, cure, assembly, MRB, NDI).
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams through full lifecycle program execution.
- Proficiency in engineering software such as CATIA V5, GD&T interpretation, Windchill PDM, and SAP.
- Familiarity with DoD contract requirements, quality systems, and proposal generation.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, RCCA, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
