Mechanical Engineering Manager

Kavaliro; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kavaliro is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager in Jacksonville to lead all facets of mechanical engineering activities, from product development to production. The role includes direct management of engineering projects, team workload, and staff performance reviews. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in mechanical design, along with proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is preferred, along with strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• At least six years of experience in mechanical engineering design.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, including machining and welding, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Direct mechanical engineering projects from concept through delivery.
• Provide hiring recommendations and conduct performance reviews.
• Collaborate with program management to establish cost and scheduling goals.

Skills

Managing diverse engineering teams

Understanding of engineering development cycles

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Knowledge of GD&T principles

Familiarity with military structural and hydraulic systems

Interpersonal skills for collaboration

Ability to handle multiple projects

Hands-on experience with PDM, PLM, and FEA

Foundation in mechanics and materials science

Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Creativity and innovation

Teamwork and collaboration skills

Eligibility for security clearance

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

At least six years of mechanical engineering design experience

Minimum three years in a management role

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Kavaliro is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager for our local Jacksonville client who will be responsible for leading all aspects of mechanical engineering activities, from early product development through final production. This role ensures projects, initiatives, and workflows meet both customer expectations and internal standards. Additionally, the manager supports proposals, quality assurance efforts, procurement, and manufacturing operations, while also offering technical leadership to junior engineers and drafting staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct mechanical engineering projects from concept through delivery.
• Manage team workload and forecast staffing needs.
• Provide hiring recommendations, conduct performance reviews, and address performance issues when necessary.
• Collaborate with program management to establish cost and scheduling goals.
• Develop and refine processes to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Support the improvement of Product Data Management (PDM) workflows and Configuration Management (CM) plans.
• Participate actively in Change Control Boards (CCB).
• Assist with proposals, quality assurance reviews, procurement activities, and manufacturing support.
• Deliver regular project updates to the Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, and Program Managers.
• Serve as a primary point of communication with customers as needed.
• Ensure designs meet all customer specifications and adhere to applicable standards.
• Assess product performance, reliability, and safety, and support the creation of production drawings and machining files.
• Mentor and guide mechanics, technicians, and junior staff.
• Work closely with production teams to improve product designs and assembly methods.
• Contribute to decisions regarding equipment and tooling purchases.
• Handle government-furnished equipment and materials responsibly and safely.
• Maintain a standard work schedule and be available for overtime when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience managing diverse engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering development cycles.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and standards such as ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, and MIL-STD-100G (or current equivalents).
• Familiarity with military structural and hydraulic systems for land, air, and sea applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaboration at all organizational levels and with external customers.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Hands‑on experience with Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Solid foundation in core engineering principles like mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, and welding.
• Preferred experience with industry and military material, part, and process specifications.
• Creativity, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance, if needed.
• Willingness to travel as necessary.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• At least six (6) years of experience in mechanical engineering design.
• A minimum of three (3) years in a management or leadership role is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience in manufacturing, including machining, sheet metal work, welding, and assembly, is highly desirable.
• Experience with fixed‑wing or rotary‑wing airframe structures and hydraulic systems is a plus.
• Prior military service with aviation maintenance experience is advantageous.
• Familiarity with 3D scanning technologies and 3D printing is a bonus.

Kavaliro provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Kavaliro is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Kavaliro will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please respond to this posting to connect with a company representative.