Engineering Manager

Nationwide Technical Search; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Nationwide Technical Search in Dayton, OH is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our mechanical engineering team in a newly created leadership role. The position is onsite, permanent/direct hire with full benefits.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in mechanical design, hands-on prototyping, and cross-functional leadership, with a clear pathway to Engineering Director within 1–3 years.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years in mechanical design with leadership growth.
• Proven track record of managing engineering teams and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Hands‑on hardware development, assembly, and prototyping/testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct management of a mechanical design team and staff development.
• Oversee projects from concept to production release, ensuring deadlines and budgets.
• Provide technical leadership on valve and electro‑mechanical systems and DFMA initiatives.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Hardware prototyping

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

Engineering Manager

Dayton, OH

• Onsite
• Permanent/Direct Hire
• Full Benefits
• $130,000 - $170,000

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead and grow our engineering team in a newly created leadership position. This role blends strategic team management and project oversight with a foundation in mechanical engineering.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in mechanical design, hands‑on prototyping, and cross‑functional leadership, with the direct drive and clear pathway to advance into an Engineering Director position within 1 to 3 years.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategy

• Direct Management: Lead, mentor, and build a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
• Process & Strategy: Establish engineering best practices, standardize design workflows, and guide the long‑term technical vision of the department.
• Leadership Advancement: Work closely with senior executive leadership to prepare for a transition into an Engineering Director role within 1-3 years.

Project & Operations Management

• Project Oversight: Drive multiple concurrent engineering projects from initial concept through production release, ensuring alignment with deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary engineering liaison to quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and external stakeholders.

Technical Leadership & Product Development

• Design & Qualification: Oversee the conceptualization, design, and qualification of complex mechanical systems and valves to meet stringent customer and military specifications.
• Prototyping & Testing: Direct hands‑on prototype assembly, performance testing, and environmental qualification testing.
• Sustaining Support: Guide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives, continuous improvement, and re‑design efforts for existing legacy product lines.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Experience: Minimum of 7+ years in mechanical design engineering, with demonstrable growth into leadership or management roles.
• Leadership: Proven track record of managing engineering teams, leading cross‑functional initiatives, or overseeing complex engineering projects.
• Technical Hardware Background: Direct experience with hands‑on hardware development, assembly, and functional prototyping/testing.

Preferred / Highly Advantageous

• Specialized Engineering: Direct design or management experience with mechanical valves, fuel valves, hydraulic systems, or electro‑mechanical design.
• Industry Experience: Strong background in Aerospace & Defense products and familiarity with Mil‑Spec standards.
• Manufacturing Focus: Deep knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.