The posting
Work Arrangement This is an onsite position.
Job Overview The Senior Manager, Project Engineering is responsible for overseeing a team of Project Engineers engaged in the design, development, and sustainment of Unmanned Airborne Systems (UASs). This leadership role combines engineering project planning, programmatic oversight, technical engagement, and direct engineering execution. Approximately 50% of the role focuses on leadership, team development, and CAM oversight, while the remaining 50% involves hands-on technical engagement. The Senior Manager ensures engineering deliverables are achieved on schedule, within scope, aligned with program objectives, and compliant with company and industry standards.
Essential Functions
• Leadership and Team Management
Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of Project Engineers, each functioning as a Control Account Manager (CAM) for assigned Work Packages. Ensure engineering standards, processes, and best practices are consistently applied. Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for team deliverables and performance. Maintain employee schedules and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Project and Technical Execution Develop and manage detailed engineering project plans that align with program goals and contractual requirements. Review contractual deliverables and define Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) scope and execution strategy. Coordinate with discipline leads to define tasks, resource allocation, and sequencing. Manage timelines, risks, and deliverables using tools such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, and Teams. Support Business Development through technical inputs on proposals and new opportunities.
• CAM Oversight and Program Controls Oversee multiple CAMs, ensuring accurate planning, cost control, variance analysis, schedule management, and earned value compliance. Ensure work package structure, reporting, and forecasting meet program control and customer requirements. Support Program Management with development and maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS). Deliver concise, data-driven status updates and technical briefings to leadership and customers.
• Quality and Compliance Ensure engineering activities adhere to applicable AS9100 and Internal standards Promote a culture of rigorous internal design review and meaningful root cause/corrective action activities Perform other duties as required to support department and company objectives. Maintain professional behavior consistent with company values and expectations.
• Perform other duties as required. • Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
Qualifications and Competencies • 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 demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis, risk management, and corrective/preventive action. • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project). • High degree of initiative, accountability, and execution discipline under minimal supervision. • Collaborative leadership style fostering trust, teamwork, and performance excellence. • Strong decision-making and prioritization skills, balancing technical rigor with schedule and cost realities. • Strong technical foundation in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering (depending on product type). • 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.
Leadership Competencies • Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department. • Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent. • Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. • Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities. • Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management. • Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication. • Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures.
Education / Certifications • Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related discipline) required. • Master’s Degree in Engineering or related field preferred. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
Experience • 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
Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties the employee is: Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
Security Clearance • Secret DoD clearance with ability to obtain/maintain TS/SCI, U.S. Citizenship required.
About AEVEX
AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.
Recruitment Communication Notice: All official correspondence regarding your application, application status, interviews, or the AEVEX hiring process will come directly from an AEVEX representative using an @aevex.com email address or through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system. Please use caution with communications claiming to represent AEVEX from other email domains, and always verify the sender before responding or providing personal information.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
