Engineering Manager - Recorders

Acron Aviation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Acron Aviation, a leader in avionics, seeks an Engineering Manager for the Recorders product line to guide Systems, Software, and Project Leadership teams. You will champion workforce planning, credible budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver flight data and cockpit recorders to global customers.

You will drive transformation with modern development practices, model-based systems engineering, and AI-assisted tooling while partnering with product management and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in systems, software, electrical, aerospace, or related engineering.
• 10+ years aerospace/avionics/defense engineering experience.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership with direct reports.
• Knowledge of avionics lifecycles ARP-4754A and DO-178C.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Experience with project planning, estimation, and risk management.
• Ability to lead through influence in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Build, develop, and retain high-performing engineering teams by fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Coach and mentor engineering leaders and individual contributors, helping them achieve their goals while growing organizational capability.
• Lead functional governance across systems engineering (ARP-4754A), software engineering (DO-178C), and engineering project leadership.
• Own workforce planning, succession planning, resource allocation, and engineering budgets across three functions.
• Drive program execution: credible estimates, resource-loaded schedules, risk management, and metrics-driven management.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware engineering, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and roadmaps.
• Sponsor engineering transformation: model-based systems engineering, digital thread, and modern development practices compatible with certification.
• Drive continuous improvement and AI adoption within your organization — lean practices and AI-assisted engineering tools.
• Work across product lines, partnering with peer engineering managers to share talent and harmonize practices.
• Partner with senior leaders, program managers, customers, and stakeholders to drive outcomes and effectiveness.
• Act as the engineering liaison with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies when required.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Systems engineering

Aerospace

DO-178C

ARP-4754A

Communication

Risk management

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems/Software/Electrical/Aerospace engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

About Acron Aviation (Avionics – Recorders):

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support safety-critical flight operations across commercial and military aviation. Within Avionics, the Recorders product line develops and sustains cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, and integrated data acquisition systems that enable regulatory compliance, safety insight, and operational performance across global fleets. These systems are deployed across commercial, military, and rotorcraft platforms and require deep expertise across systems, hardware, software, and lifecycle sustainment in highly regulated environments.

As the aerospace industry enters into the new era of Urban Air Mobility, Acron Aviation will be at the forefront of this new market. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence engineering strategy, develop future leaders, and drive organizational excellence across multiple engineering disciplines in a highly collaborative environment. As Engineering Manager for our Recorders product line, you will lead and inspire a diverse organization of Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Engineering Project Lead professionals responsible for delivering mission-critical flight data and cockpit voice recorder solutions.

This is a leader-of-leaders role for a people leader who manages multiple engineering functions. You will shape organizational strategy, workforce planning, and execution priorities to ensure engineering capabilities align with business objectives and future growth - while providing leadership across disciplines and empowering subject-matter experts to drive technical excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Build, develop, and retain high-performing engineering teams by fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Coach and mentor engineering leaders and individual contributors, helping them achieve their professional goals while growing organizational capability.
• Lead functional governance across systems engineering (ARP-4754A), software engineering (DO-178C), and engineering project leadership.
• Own workforce planning, succession planning, resource allocation, and engineering budgets across three functions.
• Drive program execution: credible estimates, resource-loaded schedules, risk management, and metrics-driven management.
• Collaborate with product management, hardware engineering, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and roadmaps.
• Sponsor engineering transformation: model-based systems engineering, digital thread, and modern development practices compatible with certification.
• Drive continuous improvement and AI adoption within your organization — championing lean practices and AI-assisted engineering tools as part of how the team works every day.
• Work across product lines, partnering with peer engineering managers to share talent, harmonize practices, and carry lessons learned between organizations.
• Partner closely with senior leaders, program managers, customers, and functional stakeholders to drive successful program outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Act as the engineering technical liaison with customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies when required.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Software, Computer, Electrical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, avionics, defense, or related industries.
• 3+ years of engineering leadership or management experience with direct reports.
• Working knowledge of avionics development lifecycles (ARP-4754A systems and/or DO-178C software practice).
• A people-first leadership record: talent development, coaching and mentoring, succession planning, performance management, and team building.
• Experience with engineering project planning, estimation, and risk management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or MBA.
• Experience with flight recorders or other high-integrity / crash-protected avionics.
• Familiarity with DO-160, DO-254, ED-112A, TSO standards, and airworthiness security (DO-326A).
• Exposure to MBSE, digital thread, and agile development in certified environments.
• INCOSE, PMP, or equivalent certifications; lean / continuous improvement training.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Acron Aviation is proud to be an Aff... We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of 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, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Additional Information:

Acron Aviation maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where allowed by law. Acron Aviation is an E-Verify employer