Mechanical Engineering Manager

BrightHire Search Partners; Tewksbury (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

BrightHire Search Partners seeks an Engineering Manager with deep expertise in fluid dynamics to lead new product development from concept to launch. You will guide a cross-functional team including design engineers, CAD resources, and pilot manufacturing to deliver robust valve designs and CFD-informed improvements.

The role requires a strong track record in program management, leadership, and collaboration with Product Management, Sourcing, Operations, and Manufacturing to balance customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of product development experience in fluid-handling or valve applications.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD solid modeling (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with DFMA/DFM/DFA and program accounting.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-lifecycle NPD project execution from planning to pilot builds.
• Drive program meetings, accountability, and action-item closure.
• Communicate across technical and non-technical audiences at all levels.
• Mentor junior engineers in mechanical and fluid-dynamic principles.
• Partner with Product Management, Sourcing, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software elements into cohesive designs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Program management

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

We are seeking an Engineering Manager with experience in fluid dynamics. This highly technical leadership role focuses on driving new product development, drawing on deep expertise in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and pressure-balancing valve design.

The successful candidate will lead complex programs from concept through launch, partner closely with Product Management, and manage a cross-functional engineering team (Design Engineers, CAD resources, and Pilot Manufacturing).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full-lifecycle NPD project execution, including planning, risk assessment, team formation, milestones, reporting, escalation, schedule/budget management, and pilot builds.
• Drive effective program meetings, accountability, and action-item closure.
• Communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences at all levels of the organization.
• Influence and motivate teams through collaborative, empathetic leadership.
• Support Product Management through the Stage-Gate process; balance customer requirements with engineering constraints and recommend technical value propositions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Sourcing, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software elements into cohesive product designs; benchmark new concepts against existing designs.
• Approve engineering deliverables (specs, drawings, material requirements, DFMEAs/PFMEAs, verification reports) and ensure thorough documentation of analytical and experimental results.
• Apply advanced CFD for flow modeling, pressure-drop analysis, cavitation prediction, and valve optimization; correlate simulations with test data.
• Demonstrate expertise in force-balance calculations and sealing technologies (O-rings, bellows, diaphragms), including material compatibility and failure modes across temperature, chemical, and pressure ranges.
• Coach and develop junior engineers in advanced mechanical and fluid-dynamic principles; convert tribal knowledge into clear, teachable practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of product development experience, ideally in fluid-handling or valve applications.
• Proven engineering project/program management experience with the ability to independently lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD solid modeling (Autodesk Inventor preferred).
• Experience with cost estimation, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and program accounting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interaction with engineering teams, suppliers, customers, regulatory bodies, and leadership.
• Experience collaborating with overseas development and manufacturing partners is a plus.
• Familiarity with copper alloys, iron casting/forging, plastics, and plastic molding for water systems is advantageous.
• Practical knowledge of compliance, test standards, and third-party certification requirements.
• Strong decision-making, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage projects that extend beyond immediate responsibilities.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.