Mechanical Products Chief Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Engineer - Mechanical Products

Department: Mechanical Products Engineering

Reports To: Vice President of Engineering Quality

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY

Directs, coordinates, and exercises functional authority for planning, organization, control, integration, and completion of activities for all phases of engineering participation for all engineering from PDR to Release, to production and sustaining engineering, relative to specific aviation mechanical and coupling product lines, and resolution of factory and field related problems. Acts directly or through subordinate engineers and supervisors, coordinates with other Company departments and functions, prepares and presents information to customers, and provides related engineering services. A proven success-oriented leader, manager, and hands-on individual.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Organizes and directs all engineering related functions necessary to the support of the Company's Mechanical product line, plans and formulates engineering programs, and assigns project staff according to project requirements.
• Directs Department activities to design new products, modify existing designs, improve production techniques, develop engineering specifications and test procedures, select materials and components, and the preparation of operating or maintenance instructions, and other product literature. Ensures engineering projects are completed in accordance with required schedules and Company policies. Creates complete schedules with assistance from R D Engineering Manager using resource charting. Manages resources for all programs with an initial program schedule. With new programs, he or she will share responsibility with the R D Engineering Manager from PDR to CDR, and take full responsibility after CDR, to completion of program.
• Maintains and protects proprietary nature of products, while continuing to identify additional proprietary/patentable design features for current and future product market protection.
• Confers with Management Staff, Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality Control and other related departments, to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, manufacturability and customer demand, for new and existing products.
• Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, Company standards, customer contract requirements, and related specifications. Evaluates and approves design changes, specification reviews, final review and approval of drawing releases, specifications, test plans and reports, and engineering orders.
• Provides assistance/support for internal and external customers or suppliers, in resolving manufacturing and field-related issues, maintains liaison and coordinates with Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality Control, other related departments and customers, when necessary. Coordinates product engineering and manufacturing resolution for customers, including engineering analysis of returned products and product issues.
• Forecasts operating costs of the Department, participates in establishing operating and capital budgets, controls expenditures within budget.
• Identifies opportunity to improve departmental service efficiencies, consistency and quality.
• Hires and assigns personnel, supervises subordinate personnel, administers disciplinary actions, conducts performance appraisals for employees, directs the instruction and training, and maintains a high level of productivity and morale of the Engineering personnel.
• Oversees the preparation of reports and maintenance of necessary files and records.
• Complies with and conducts business in accordance with the letter, spirit, and intent of all relevant laws and regulations, policies, work procedures, instructions; wherefore, refrains from any illegal, dishonest, unethical conduct. Maintains communications with all employees, vendors, customers and others in a cooperative and professional manner, while treating them in with dignity, respect and courtesy.
• Performs other related duties as required and may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be an experienced, effective leader, a team player and strong manager; able to mentor and develop a good team, to extract the best performance possible.
• Must understand data, and possess exceptional analytical and problem solving abilities,
• Must be a 'hands-on' type individual, with the ability to interface on the shop floor, as well as senior leadership and customers - all equally well.
• Must be able to develop and align business plans with quantifiable requirements, placing the requirements into action.
• Must exhibit the following attributes: 1) Proven leadership; 2) Strong oral and written communication; 3) Strong mentor; 4) Empowerment; and 5) Effective resource management.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Experience: 10+years related product design aerospace engineering experience, and management or design/development team leadership experience, or the equivalent. Familiarity with the design of Hold Open Rods, Interlocks and similar equipment, including typical failure modes, effective fits and clearances, and typical customer applications.
• Level of travel required: Domestically and internationally, as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises 2 to 10 employees in the Mechanical Products Engineering Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

In addition, must possess the following:

• Strong knowledge of and experience in the aerospace manufacturing businesses, and the ability to recognize opportunities for new products and manufacturing technologies.
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills.
• Experience with and proficient knowledge in use of computers, computer aided design (CAD) software, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Experience with close tolerance metal machining processes and specialty metal, in a low to medium volume environment would be highly preferred.
• This position must meet "US Person" Export Control Requirements as defined by 22 CFR 120.62 - "US Person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)." Or a successful foreign person candidate must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations."

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled