Manager, Mechanical Engineer - 3477424

Mechanical Engineering Manager / Lead Mechanical Engineer

Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Description

This is a dual-role Manager and Mechanical Engineer position that requires a strong technical leader capable of building, mentoring, and leading a team of engineers and designers to successfully execute program objectives.

In this role, you will apply mechanical engineering expertise to design, develop, and sustain the company's Fiber Optic Systems (FOS) product lines throughout the product lifecycle. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will ensure designs meet customer requirements while complying with established engineering standards and best practices.

The position also supports the production of existing products by collaborating with Manufacturing and Quality teams to troubleshoot technical issues, implement engineering changes, improve product performance, and maintain compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards. This role combines hands-on engineering responsibilities with leadership and team development, making it ideal for someone who enjoys both technical problem-solving and people management.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and designers.
• Support recruiting efforts, workforce planning, and employee performance management.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuous improvement culture.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance engineering development processes and best practices.
• Provide technical input, material estimates, and labor estimates for Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

Mechanical Engineering

• Serve as the Lead Mechanical Engineer responsible for product performance, design integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead mechanical design decisions for both new product development and existing product enhancements.
• Develop and refine mechanical designs in accordance with customer requirements and internal engineering standards.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, and sound engineering principles to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and performance.
• Perform engineering calculations and collaborate with analysts to validate designs through FEA, thermal, shock, and vibration analysis.
• Develop and execute design verification plans, including shock, vibration, thermal, acceleration, and environmental testing.
• Prepare and present technical documentation for internal and customer design reviews.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, industry regulations, and applicable engineering standards.

Production & Cross-Functional Support

• Support manufacturing by troubleshooting production issues and implementing effective engineering solutions.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Quality teams to resolve nonconformances and drive corrective actions.
• Implement engineering changes and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and manufacturability.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 9+ years of relevant professional experience, OR
• Master's Degree with 7+ years of related experience, OR
• 13+ years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Professional experience using CAD software such as Solid Edge, SolidWorks, NX, or similar.
• Strong experience applying and interpreting GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.100.
• Experience performing dimensional stack-up and tolerance analysis.
• Strong mechanical design, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with experience working in cross-functional engineering environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of mechanics, fatigue, vibration, and thermal analysis.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and design validation methodologies.
• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Previous experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.

Additional Information

• Security Clearance Required: No (Must be eligible to obtain and maintain one)
• Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Compensation & Benefits

• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Relocation Assistance: Available for the ideal candidate
• Bonus Eligible: No
• Commission: No
• Overtime Eligible: No
• Interview Travel Reimbursed: No

Candidate Profile

• Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
• Management Experience Required: Preferred leadership experience (formal people management not required)
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree
• Travel Requirement: Occasional

Screening Question

What are your salary requirements?