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AEVEX is seeking a Senior Manager, Project Engineering to lead a team of Project Engineers in the design, development, and sustainment of Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS). This is a hybrid technical and leadership role split approximately 50/50 between people management and hands-on engineering execution.
In the leadership capacity, you will supervise and mentor a team of Project Engineers who function as Control Account Managers (CAMs) for assigned work packages. You will establish and enforce engineering standards, delegate effectively while maintaining accountability, manage employee schedules and compliance, and foster a collaborative culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
On the technical side, you will develop and manage detailed engineering project plans aligned with program goals and contractual requirements. You will review contractual deliverables, define Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) scope and execution strategy, coordinate with discipline leads on task definition and resource allocation, and manage timelines and risks using tools such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, and Teams. You will also support Business Development with technical inputs on proposals.
You will oversee multiple CAMs to ensure accurate planning, cost control, variance analysis, schedule management, and earned value compliance. You will support Program Management with development and maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and deliver data-driven status updates and technical briefings to leadership and customers.
Quality and compliance are critical: you will ensure engineering activities adhere to AS9100 and internal standards, promote rigorous internal design review, and drive meaningful root cause and corrective action activities.
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, provides full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions supporting U.S. national security and partner nation needs. Capabilities include custom design and engineering, rapid prototyping, sensor integration, aircraft modification and certification, flight test instrumentation, mission operations, advanced intelligence data processing, and tailored hardware/software mission-system tools.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related discipline) required
- Master's Degree in Engineering or related field preferred
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Aerospace and Defense
- 5+ years in a leadership or project management capacity
- Experience leading complex product development programs from concept through production
- Demonstrated history of Program Management and Project Execution
- 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 expertise in root cause analysis, risk management, and corrective/preventive action
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (JIRA, MS Project)
- Strong technical foundation in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering
- 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
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
- Secret DoD clearance with ability to obtain/maintain TS/SCI; U.S. Citizenship required
