Service Engineering Manager

Safran companies; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran companies is seeking an Actuation Service Engineering Manager responsible for leading the service engineering function for actuation systems and products. This role involves overseeing corrective actions for field issues and ensuring alignment with customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of aircraft systems and proven leadership abilities, fostering collaboration across diverse teams. The position offers opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and customer advocacy in service engineering efforts.

Qualifications

• Proven people leadership and team management capabilities in a technical environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of aircraft systems, particularly actuation systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage with all levels of an organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Actuation Service Engineering team.
• Oversee corrective actions for in-service field issues.
• Coordinate activities with engineering departments, suppliers, and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using ACE tools.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

Technical knowledge of aircraft systems

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Customer focus

Multi-priority management

Cross-functional coordination

Microsoft Office proficiency

ACE tools experience

Analytical problem-solving

Job description

Job Summary

The Actuation Service Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and managing the service engineering function for actuation systems and products. This role oversees the development, planning, and execution of timely and effective corrective actions for in-service field issues while ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements as leading the reporting and analysis of material costing.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and manage the Actuation Service Engineering team, including goal setting, workload prioritization, coaching, and performance development
• Oversee the development, planning, and implementation of timely and effective corrective actions for in-service field issues involving actuation systems and products
• Direct the collection and analysis of field reliability data, operator usage, and maintenance practices to identify trends and reliability drivers
• Lead root cause investigations, special investigations, and corrective action development, validation, and implementation
• Serve as the primary technical escalation point for critical in-service and AOG issues, ensuring appropriate urgency and executive-level communication
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with engineering departments, suppliers, repair centers, OEMs, and worldwide operators
• Act as the “Voice of the Customer,” advocating for product and process improvements based on in-service experience and customer feedback
• Oversee the development, review, and coordination of Service Bulletins, Service Information Letters, and Component Maintenance Manual updates
• Partner with Technical Publications and the Actuation Service Desk to ensure accurate, timely, and effective customer support
• Support design engineering teams on new programs by incorporating lessons learned from in-service product experience
• Ensure support for qualification testing, troubleshooting, technical reporting, and coordination with OEM partners
• Develop and deliver functional and familiarization maintenance training to airline operators and internal teams
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using ACE tools and principles to improve product reliability, service effectiveness, and internal processes
• Travel as required to customer sites, repair facilities, suppliers, and internal locations in support of assigned programs
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills &Competencies

• Proven people leadership and team management capabilities in a technical environment
• Strong technical knowledge of aircraft systems, actuation systems, or complex aerospace products
• Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively from executive leadership to technicians
• Strong customer focus with experience interfacing directly with airline operators, MROs, and OEMs
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in high-pressure, time-critical situations (including AOG events)
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, field service, suppliers, and repair organizations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience applying ACE tools and continuous improvement methodologies (ACE Associate preferred)
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• High level of accountability, resilience, and tenacity