Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Stratolaunch, LLC; California; On-site; USD 157,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

Benefits

Job summary

Stratolaunch, LLC is seeking a high-impact leader to manage the Mechanical Design Section, reporting to the Engineering Department Manager. You will lead form, fit and function of ground and flight mechanical systems and develop engineering talent across programs. A strong leader with technical expertise and a passion for people is essential.

The role emphasizes collaboration with senior technical leaders, recruitment, staff development, and strategic staffing initiatives. Travel <10% and a dynamic, matrixed environment are expected.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven track record leading technical teams.
• Experience recruiting engineering talent.
• US citizen able to obtain DOD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and peer reviews.
• Establish and enforce best practices and standards.
• Support employee development and retention.
• Assist in hiring and interview teams.
• Lead performance management with HR.
• Balance overhead with program tasking.
• Support proposals as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team leadership

Critical thinking

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking a high-impact, team-oriented leader to manage the Mechanical Design Section. In this role, you will report directly to the Engineering Department Manager at Stratolaunch, working as a trusted team member along with all other Section Managers, as we grow the Engineering team and its capabilities to support the business. You will manage and develop the engineering talent responsible for form, fit and function of ground and flight mechanical systems at Stratolaunch. An ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership capability, relevant technical expertise, experience managing technical teams and a passion for people.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support direct reports and programs through technical guidance and peer review in area(s) of expertise
• Collaborate with senior technical leaders to establish and enforce technical best practices and standards
• Support Department Manager with employee development and retention initiatives
• Partner with Department Manager, Human Resources, and Talent Acquisition across the hiring workflow to identify qualified candidates, establish strong interview teams, and hire engineering talent in alignment with strategic program goals
• Lead performance management and development efforts for direct reports in partnership with the Department Manager and Human Resources
• Support direct reports in complying with applicable policies and procedures (e.g. timekeeping, employee handbook, etc.)
• Partner with programs and Department Manager to meet tactical staffing needs and resolve resource conflicts
• Support Department Manager in developing and executing strategic staffing initiatives
• Support proposal efforts as required
• NOTE: The Section Manager role is not fully indirect. Employees in this role must be able to balance overhead management effort with tasking that is chargeable to programs or other support functions. (e.g. Bid & Proposal, or IR&D)

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated success as an individual technical contributor and/or technical team leader
• Experience recruiting and hiring technical employees
• Demonstrated success applying analytical and critical thinking skills to solve multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment to achieve business goals
• Technical expertise in at least one engineering domain of relevance to the Section
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a DOD security clearance

Required Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in matrixed organizations and staffing technical personnel across multiple programs
• Experience leading and managing small-to-medium sized technical teams (10+) in resource constrained environments (e.g. aerospace development programs)
• Active DOD security clearance

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Manager ($157K-$206K): Bachelor's degree or Master's degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 10+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr. Manager ($181K-$237K): Bachelor's degree or Master's degree (preferred) in related discipline from an accredited institution and 15+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Work location is dependent on multiple factors, including the business needs of the specific role and the geographic distribution of the employees to be manage
• Travel, as needed, to support the department. Travel estimated to be <10%

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits (https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our location(s) (https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/)

• 9/80 schedule
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