Design Engineering Manager, Aircraft Structures & FAA Certification Location:

Albany, GA Employment Type :

Full-Time, Permanent W2 About the Company This organization has built a strong reputation designing, manufacturing, and supporting highly engineered aircraft structures and specialized flight platforms out of a major regional airport facility in Albany, GA. Research, airframe design, structural analysis, flight testing, and lifecycle support all happen under one roof, giving engineers exposure to complex, multi-system challenges on a daily basis.

Compensation & Benefits Salary Range :

$120,000-$140,000/year, based on experience and management tenure Relocation assistance available for candidates relocating to the Albany, GA area Choice of traditional or high-deductible health plans (HDHP) Dental and vision coverage Prescription drug coverage Short-term and long-term disability Supplemental insurance options Paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays Paid parental leave 401(k) retirement savings plan Sponsored professional development and training access Job Summary This role sits at the intersection of technical leadership and department management. You'll be responsible for making sure every technical release, structural drawing, and product modification clears airworthiness, safety, and schedule requirements — while also acting as the connective tissue between engineering, the shop floor, and regulatory bodies like the FAA and DERs. Executive leadership will look to you for both big-picture planning and hands-on problem-solving. Key Responsibilities Run daily operations for the design engineering department, keeping projects moving from concept through production release Build and maintain master schedules spanning design, stress analysis, testing, and manufacturing Report on timelines, resourcing, and progress to leadership across departments Serve as the primary point of contact for FAA and DER certification activities Push process improvements that boost accuracy and throughput across the team Hire, coach, and evaluate engineering staff; oversee shop-floor engineering support Manage departmental budget, software tools, and technical resources Coordinate with other department leads, suppliers, and outside engineering contractors Set and enforce design standards, SOPs, and department policy Represent engineering at PDR/CDR design reviews and executive strategy sessions Minimum Requirements B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field 10+ years of relevant engineering experience with a bachelor's degree, or 5+ years with a master's degree 5+ years directly managing or supervising engineering staff Hands-on experience with FAR Part 23 or Part 25 certification work Strong grounding in structural fabrication, aircraft repair, aviation hardware, and maintenance practices Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or a comparable 3D CAD platform Self-directed, adaptable, and comfortable leading a team under deadline pressure Strong written and verbal communication for cross-departmental and regulatory work Ideal Qualifications Systems engineering background covering integration across multiple aircraft subsystems Track record in structural airframe integration and compliance documentation Established working relationships with FAA officials, DERs, or commercial fleet customers Elevate Your Career Rio Staffing's engineering recruitment team connects experienced technical leaders with top aerospace and defense manufacturers nationwide. We'll manage your interview process, keep you informed at every stage, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Apply today or browse more opportunities at www.riostaffing.com .