Sr Engineering Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is a motion control systems manufacturer selling high performance electro-mechanical components and subassemblies to the military and aerospace industry. They are seeking an experienced Sr. Engineering Manager. This role will lead engineering activities within San Diego site and oversees the design of products such as motors, resolvers, and systems. The Sr Manager, Engineering manages through a team of Engineering professionals and as a working manager. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of the Engineering group. This position reports to the Engineering Director.

THE POSITION

• Ensures all engineering projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with organization’s established policies and objectives. Directs department activities to design new products, modify existing designs, improve production techniques, and develop test procedures.
• Plans and formulates aspects of research and development proposals such as objective or purpose of project, applications that can be utilized from findings, costs of project and equipment and human resource requirements.
• Will review and analyze proposals submitted to determine if benefits derived and possible applications justify expenditures. Approves and submits proposals considered feasible to management for consideration and allocation of funds or allocates funds from department budget.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring projects, such as preparation of records of expenditures and research findings, progress reports, and staff conferences, in order to inform management of current status of each project.
• Resolves problems using solutions that involve new techniques, technologies, or concepts. Analyzes technology trends, talent needs and market demand to plan projects. Confers with management, production, and marketing staff to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and customer demand for new and existing products.
• Forecasts operating costs of department and directs preparation of budget requests, presents findings orally and in writing to procurement authorities and demonstrates successful designs on proving ground.
• Participates, and may lead, in discussion with military authorities to determine characteristics desired in explosive material, nature of target objectives and type of delivery system to be used. Directs the preparation of product or system layout and detailed drawings and schematics.
• Directs and coordinates manufacturing or building of prototype products or systems, organizes projects and task workloads and selects individuals most qualified for assignments on specific projects. Advises management of new developments which may affect profit, schedule, costs, customer relations and/or interdepartmental relations.
• Provides direction and example for interpretation and application of company policies and procedures to the engineering activities. Maintains a working knowledge of new technologies which may improve operations and develops recommendations accordingly.
• Analyzes research data and proposed product specifications to determine feasibility of product proposal. Communicates to senior management an overview of all products under development and their stage of development. Tracks industry trends, relevant legislation, and competitor activities.

THE CANDIDATE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical engineering or related field; and 8-10 years applicable engineering experience
• 5+ years related and supervisory experience
• Master’s Degree is a plus
• Defense industry experience is a plus
• Strong communication, leadership, and team building skills
• Strong focus on performance management and succession planning
• Demonstrated proficiency in recruiting, hiring and retaining talent
• Excellent written and presentations skills
• Organized, accurate/detail oriented
• Strong knowledge of Engineering development tools and processes
• Resourceful and collaborative, with individual initiative and sound judgment