Associate Manager, Mechanical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies; Waco (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies is seeking an Associate Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Aircraft in Waco, TX to lead a small Mechanical Engineering team focused on aircraft system upgrades and structural modifications. The role emphasizes hands-on design leadership, 3D CAD analysis, and collaboration across engineering disciplines.

The incumbent will plan work, manage manpower estimates, and oversee budgets while ensuring compliance with DoD standards and internal processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering with 6+ years of related mechanical design experience.
• Graduate degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical and/or Systems Engineering with 4+ years of related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Minimum 2 years experience with mechanical design principles of aircraft structure and components.
• Minimum 2 years experience in modifications to aircraft primary and secondary structure.
• Minimum 2 years experience with electronic equipment and antenna installations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of a Mechanical Engineering team of approximately eight members.
• Design and liaison of primary and secondary aircraft structures using military and commercial design standards, customer specifications, and system requirement documents, developed in 3D CAD.
• Prepare and interpret engineering drawings and lead design reviews.
• Assign work, develop manpower estimates, track project and engineering status, and support bids.
• Ensure adherence to mechanical design processes and lead periodic reviews for accuracy and improvement.
• Uphold ethical standards, drive continuous improvement, and manage overhead budgets.
• Liaise with production for interpretation of engineering designs.

Skills

Analytic skills

Communication

Coaching/motivation

Engineering theory

Technical reporting

Program objectives

Leadership/mentoring

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering

Graduate degree in Mechanical/Aeronautical/Systems Engineering

Alternative: 10 years related experience in lieu of degree

Tools

3D CAD

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title

Job Title: Associate Manager, Mechanical Engineering - Aircraft

Job Code

Job Code: 42291

Job Location

Job Location: Waco, TX (Onsite)

Job Schedule

Job Schedule: 9/80

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineering Associate Manager reports to the Senior Manager of Aerospace Engineering and is responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day operations of a Mechanical Engineering team of approximately eight members. This team supports the design and integration of aircraft system upgrades and structural modifications. Responsibilities include the design and liaison of both primary and secondary aircraft structures using military and commercial design standards, customer specifications, and system requirement documents, all developed in 3D CAD. The role requires strong experience in preparing and interpreting engineering drawings, as well as providing leadership review of designs and documentation. The team’s primary focus areas include design and liaison tasks related to electrical equipment racks and external antenna installations.

The Mechanical Engineering Associate Manager is also responsible for assigning work, developing manpower estimates, tracking project and engineering status, supporting project bids, overseeing employee training and performance reviews, and managing overhead budgets. Additionally, this role ensures adherence to company processes related to mechanical design and leads periodic reviews to maintain accuracy and drive improvement. The Associate Manager upholds the highest ethical standards, champions Continuous Improvement initiatives, and drives positive change throughout the organization.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Planning, scheduling, and budgeting tasks for the Mechanical Engineering Team.
• Design and liaison of aircraft systems and structures utilizing military and commercial design standards, customer specifications and system requirements documents utilizing 3D CAD.
• Provide liaison to production and manufacturing for interpretation of engineering design/drawings.
• Sets the highest ethical standards for self and others.
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering with a minimum 6 years prior mechanical systems design experience. Graduate Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical and/or Systems Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Minimum 2 years experience with mechanical design principles of aircraft structure and components.
• Minimum 2 years experience in modifications to aircraft primary and secondary structure.
• Minimum 2 years experience with electronic equipment and antenna installations.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong analytic and communication skills; ability to coach, train, motivate and manage technical personnel.
• Sound knowledge of engineering theory, design criteria and complex activities.
• Ability to write a concise report of findings.
• Ability to manage complex activities; ability to meet program objectives within contract cost and schedule requirements.
• Ability to motivate others; sound effective listening skills; pays attention to details; ability to work under pressure; and ability to meet deadlines.
• Active Secret security clearance.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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