Sr. Manager, Systems Engineering
Astronics AES is seeking an exceptional leader to drive the growth and success of our Airborne Power & Control (APC) Product Group in Kirkland, WA. This pivotal role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and program management in aerospace power generation, conversion, and distribution within a highly collaborative and innovative environment.
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.