Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering will lead a high-performing team to maintain Astronics AES' position as a recognized leader in aircraft electrical power systems for small to mid-sized business jets, UAVs, and rotorcraft. This role emphasizes technical leadership, team development, and efficiency in program execution to meet customer and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and Develop Teams: Lead a diverse group of engineers with varying skill and experience levels. Recruit, interview, and hire top talent while balancing needs between direct hires, contractors, and consultants.
• Mentorship and Growth: Establish individual development goals for engineers, build training plans, and create growth opportunities while mentoring staff and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Shared Vision and Values: Promote an optimistic, energizing environment that aligns with company values and behaviors, ensuring organizational objectives are embraced, and developing long-term working relationships with direct reports and peers.

Technical Expertise

• Aerospace Standards: Apply systems, safety, and reliability engineering principles and techniques, including direct experience with ARP4754A and ARP4761 standards.
• Documentation & Certification: Prepare and manage detailed plans, including statements of work, development schedules, and training materials. Interface with certification authorities to ensure system certification within the development timeline.
• Program Execution: Establish accurate program estimates, plans, and schedules while addressing risks, adhering to budgets, and ensuring systems development progress aligns with customer demands and business requirements.

Process Improvement Champion

• Efficiency & Innovation: Assess compliance with industry standards and internal processes to identify and implement improvements. Drive team engagement in process efficiency initiatives, balancing development rigor with product cost objectives.

Collaboration

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Collaborate across disciplines such as Product Support, Quality, Program Management, and Business Development to optimize program execution, retention, staffing, and customer satisfaction.
• Proposal and Product Development: Assist the Sales team with proposals and the definition of new products, incorporating lessons learned into engineering design guidelines and developing new design standards as needed.
• Cross-functional Partnerships: Interface with procurement, legal, and other divisions for consulting agreements, indirect budget items, and invoice approvals.

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and manage performance development across diverse teams.
• Expertise in systems, safety, and reliability engineering principles, and familiarity with budget and schedule management.
• Effective in overseeing system development efforts while recognizing when intervention or assistance is needed.
• Adept in trade studies, technical analyses, and identifying tailored solutions to optimize applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree (BS) in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Systems, or Aeronautical) required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: 12+ years in commercial aerospace (preferred), defense contracts, or highly regulated, technical industries. Five or more years of engineering management experience.
• Eligibility: Must be a US Person under ITAR rules; employment contingent on passing a drug test and background check.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $152,072 - $242,920 annually (midpoint: $197,496). Factors such as education, experience, skills and market conditions influence the actual salary.
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional offerings for critical illness and accident prevention coverage.
• Financial Security: 401K plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements, Employee Assistance Program, and supportive culture encouraging balance.