Hands-On Mechanical Engineering Manager | Lead Hardware

Verterra Energy, Inc.; New Brighton (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Unlimited PTO + 2 weeks sick and safe‑

7 company-paid holidays

Company-paid life and disability

Job summary

Verterra Energy, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our mechanical engineering team in New Brighton, MN. You will manage 4-8 engineers, fabricators, and machinists while delivering technical leadership on government contracts and AFRL prototype work.

You will build a lightweight design process, own schedules and estimates, and stay hands-on in drivetrain and structural design. Strong communication and ownership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 10+ years of mechanical/mechatronics engineering experience, including 2+ years leading or supervising engineers.
• Fluent in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and GD&T.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and able to pass a background check (government/defense programs).
• Able to work on-site in New Brighton, MN, with occasional travel to test sites and customer meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 4-8 mechanical engineers, fabricators and machinists.
• Turn contract scope and company goals into engineering work plans with owners, dates and effort estimates.
• Serve as technical lead for engineering deliverables on government contracts, including AFRL prototype program.
• Set up and run a lightweight design process: requirements, design reviews, analysis sign-off, drawing release, change control and lessons learned.
• Contribute to exoskeleton, drivetrain, structural and mounting design; review FEA/CFD and hand calcs; plan tests.
• Scope and manage outside engineering consultants and vendors; write statements of work and track performance.
• Build and maintain engineering KPIs (schedule adherence, effort vs. plan, open issues).
• Champion shop safety and OSHA compliance in engineering and fabrication.

Skills

People management

Project planning

Mechanical design

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

GD&T

Engineering leadership

Communication

On-site work

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys / CFD tools

Job description

Verterra Energy, Inc. is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead our mechanical engineering team in New Brighton, MN. You will manage 4-8 engineers, fabricators, and machinists while delivering technical leadership on government contracts and AFRL prototype work.

You will build a lightweight design process, own schedules and estimates, and stay hands-on in drivetrain and structural design. Strong communication and ownership are essential for success.