Sr. Manager, Project Engineering

aevexaerospace; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AEVEX seeks a Senior Manager, Project Engineering to lead a team of Project Engineers responsible for the design, development, and sustainment of Unmanned Airborne Systems. The role balances strategic leadership with hands-on technical engagement, ensuring deliverables meet schedule, scope, and program objectives.

The candidate will guide planning, risk management, and program controls, including IMS development and cross-team collaboration, while maintaining strict adherence to industry

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical teams in aerospace product development, autonomous unmanned vehicles, or defense engineering environments.
• Deep understanding of AS9100 standards and translating requirements into compliant processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with root cause analysis, risk management, and corrective actions.
• Exceptional communication skills for diverse audiences, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with JIRA and MS Project for project tracking and control.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and PLM systems for design and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of Project Engineers acting as CAMs for Work Packages.
• Develop and manage detailed engineering project plans aligned with program goals and contractual requirements.
• Define NRE scope and execution strategy with discipline leads and ensure timely deliverables.
• Oversee CAMs with cost control, variance analysis, and schedule management; drive earned value reporting.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and internal standards through design reviews and CAPA activities.
• Deliver concise status updates and technical briefings to leadership and customers.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Decision making

Prioritization

Problem solving

Tools

JIRA

MS Project

CAD tools

PLM systems

Job description

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position.

Job Overview

The Senior Manager, Project Engineering is responsible for overseeing a team of Project Engineers engaged in the design, development, and sustainment of Unmanned Airborne Systems (UASs). This leadership role combines engineering project planning, programmatic oversight, technical engagement, and direct engineering execution. Approximately 50% of the role focuses on leadership, team development, and CAM oversight, while the remaining 50% involves hands‑on technical engagement. The Senior Manager ensures engineering deliverables are achieved on schedule, within scope, aligned with program objectives, and compliant with company and industry standards.

Essential Functions

• Leadership and Team Management
  • Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of Project Engineers, each functioning as a Control Account Manager (CAM) for assigned Work Packages.
  • Ensure engineering standards, processes, and best practices are consistently applied.
  • Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for team deliverables and performance.
  • Maintain employee schedules and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Project and Technical Execution
  • Develop and manage detailed engineering project plans that align with program goals and contractual requirements.
  • Review contractual deliverables and define Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) scope and execution strategy.
  • Coordinate with discipline leads to define tasks, resource allocation, and sequencing.
  • Manage timelines, risks, and deliverables using tools such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, and Teams.
  • Support Business Development through technical inputs on proposals and new opportunities.
• CAM Oversight and Program Controls
  • Oversee multiple CAMs, ensuring accurate planning, cost control, variance analysis, schedule management, and earned value compliance.
  • Ensure work package structure, reporting, and forecasting meet program control and customer requirements.
  • Support Program Management with development and maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Deliver concise, data-driven status updates and technical briefings to leadership and customers.
• Quality and Compliance
  • Ensure engineering activities adhere to applicable AS9100 and Internal standards.
  • Promote a culture of rigorous internal design review and meaningful root cause/corrective action activities.
  • Perform other duties as required to support department and company objectives.
  • Maintain professional behavior consistent with company values and expectations.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Proven experience leading technical teams in complex aerospace product development, autonomous unmanned vehicles, or defense engineering environments.
• Deep understanding of AS9100 standards, with ability to translate requirements into compliant processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis, risk management, and corrective/preventive action.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project).
• High degree of initiative, accountability, and execution discipline under minimal supervision.
• Collaborative leadership style fostering trust, teamwork, and performance excellence.
• Strong decision-making and prioritization skills, balancing technical rigor with schedule and cost realities.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering (depending on product type).
• Proficiency with CAD tools, PLM systems, and project management software.
• Strong understanding of design-for-manufacturability (DFM), prototyping, and validation testing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX's culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and per