DESIGN MANAGER – JOB 1146

Vertical Mag; Menominee, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation seeks an experienced Design Manager to lead the Design Engineering group, oversee the design, substantiation, and certification of helicopter components, and ensure FAA compliance.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep aerospace experience, strong technical judgment, and the ability to develop people while guiding cross‑functional teams through complex technical challenges.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• 12+ years of aerospace engineering experience.
• Leadership, mentoring, and project coordination experience.
• Deep knowledge of FAA regulations, certification processes, and compliance.
• Experience with MRB dispositions, structural repairs, and production engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead Design Engineering team and allocate resources.
• Oversee design, substantiation, and certification of helicopter components and systems.
• Ensure FAA compliance, safety, reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets.
• Review engineering drawings, analyses, and documentation within scope.
• Coordinate with Vendors, Production, and field teams to resolve issues.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Structural analysis

Leadership

Certification support

Risk assessment

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD

Job description

Maintenance & Engineering | Menominee Michigan, United States

Job Description

DESIGN MANAGER – JOB 1146Lead the Design. Guide the Team. Help Shape the Aircraft.Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our Design Engineering group and oversee the design, substantiation, and certification of aircraft components, systems, and subsystems.This is a hands‑on engineering leadership role for someone who brings deep aerospace experience, strong technical judgment, and the ability to develop both people and solutions.You’ll work closely with Engineering, Certification, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, and field‑support teams to solve complex technical challenges, support new development, improve existing aircraft, and ensure engineering work meets applicable FAA requirements and company objectives.If you enjoy leading technical teams, solving difficult engineering problems, and seeing your work directly influence aircraft design and performance, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Enstrom.Location: Menominee, MichiganStatus: Full‑Time, On‑Site, Salary, ExemptReports To: Director of EngineeringWhat You’ll DoYou’ll lead Enstrom’s Design Engineering function by:Setting priorities, assigning personnel, and managing engineering resources in support of company objectives.Overseeing the design, substantiation, and certification of helicopter components, systems, and subsystems.Ensuring engineering projects meet applicable FAA requirements and company expectations for safety, performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.Reviewing and approving engineering drawings, analyses, and technical documentation within assigned authority.Guiding the resolution of engineering issues identified by Production, vendors, customers, or field operators.Evaluating the short- and long‑term impact of technical solutions on production, certification, continued airworthiness, and field support.Overseeing incorporation of approved design changes into drawings, models, analyses, and related engineering documentation.Coordinating with vendors on technical issues involving purchased components, materials, and systems.Supporting Engineering Change Board and other cross‑functional technical review activities.Solve Complex Aircraft Engineering ChallengesThis role will also play an important part in resolving design, production, and field issues across the aircraft lifecycle.You’ll:Provide technical support for Material Review Board activities, nonconformance dispositions, structural repairs, and production needs.Perform or direct structural and stress analyses supporting new designs, product changes, production issues, repairs, and field concerns.Assess technical risk and guide the development of practical, compliant engineering solutions.Work across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Flight Operations, vendors, and field‑support teams to resolve complex technical issues.Help ensure design decisions consider certification, manufacturing, maintainability, continued airworthiness, and long‑term product support.Lead and Develop the Engineering TeamThe Design Manager will be responsible not only for engineering output, but also for developing the people behind it.You’ll:Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to engineers and designers.Establish clear expectations for engineering quality, technical rigor, communication, and follow‑through.Develop training and development plans based on employee needs and future project requirements.Support recruiting, selection, performance management, and development of Design Engineering personnel.Forecast staffing and resource requirements based on current and future workloads.Coordinate multiple projects and adjust priorities as engineering, production, certification, and field‑support needs evolve.What We’re Looking ForSuccessful candidates will typically bring:A Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.At least 12 years of relevant aerospace engineering experience.Strong experience with aircraft component or system design, structural analysis, engineering substantiation, and certification support.Experience supporting Material Review Board dispositions, structural repairs, and production engineering.Demonstrated engineering leadership, personnel management, mentoring, project coordination, and resource‑planning experience.Advanced structural and stress‑analysis capability.Strong engineering judgment and the ability to assess technical risk and determine practical solutions.Advanced understanding of FAA regulations, certification processes, and engineering compliance documentation.The ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and competing technical demands.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Proven organizational, planning, delegation, and people‑development skills.Technical Experience That Will Help You SucceedWe’re especially interested in candidates with knowledge or experience in:Aircraft structures and systems.Rotorcraft dynamics and aerodynamics.Powerplant integration.Structural and stress analysis.Sheet‑metal fabrication.Welding and machining.Composite or fiberglass manufacturing.Aircraft assembly processes.Advanced computer‑aided design.SolidWorks.FAA certification and compliance documentation.Material Review Board activity and structural repair support.Even Better If You HaveRotorcraft engineering experience.Current MRB signature authority.FAA Designated Engineering Representative credentials.Why Enstrom?At Enstrom, Design Engineering is closely connected to the aircraft, the factory, and the people who operate and support our products.This role provides the opportunity to lead experienced technical professionals, influence engineering priorities, solve complex aircraft challenges, and help shape the future of Enstrom’s products and engineering organization.If you’re a technical leader who can guide people, make sound engineering decisions, and turn complex challenges into practical solutions, we’d like to hear from you.Physical RequirementsThis position is primarily performed in an office and engineering environment with regular use of computers, technical drawings, engineering data, and standard office equipment.The role also requires the ability to move through engineering, manufacturing, hangar, and aircraft work areas as needed; occasionally bend, reach, climb stairs, and access aircraft or production areas; and occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn when entering designated operational areas. Occasional travel may be required to support vendors, customers, certification activities, or other business needs.Compensation Note: Compensation figures represent an average and may vary based on the selected candidate’s prior experience, qualifications, education, and relevant skills.

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