Engineering Manager Dayton, OH Onsite Permanent/Direct Hire Full Benefits $130,000 - $170,000 We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead and grow our engineering team in a newly created leadership position. This role blends strategic team management and project oversight with a foundation in mechanical engineering. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in mechanical design, hands-on prototyping, and cross-functional leadership, with the direct drive and clear pathway to advance into an Engineering Director position within 1 to 3 years.

Responsibilities Team Leadership & Strategy Direct Management:

Lead, mentor, and build a team of mechanical design engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.

Process & Strategy:

Establish engineering best practices, standardize design workflows, and guide the long-term technical vision of the department.

Leadership Advancement:

Work closely with senior executive leadership to prepare for a transition into an Engineering Director role within 1-3 years.

Project & Operations Management Project Oversight:

Drive multiple concurrent engineering projects from initial concept through production release, ensuring alignment with deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Serve as the primary engineering liaison to quality, manufacturing, supply chain, and external stakeholders.

Technical Leadership & Product Development Design & Qualification:

Oversee the conceptualization, design, and qualification of complex mechanical systems and valves to meet stringent customer and military specifications.

Prototyping & Testing:

Direct hands-on prototype assembly, performance testing, and environmental qualification testing.

Sustaining Support:

Guide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives, continuous improvement, and re-design efforts for existing legacy product lines.

Qualifications & Experience Required Experience:

Minimum of 7+ years in mechanical design engineering, with demonstrable growth into leadership or management roles.

Leadership:

Proven track record of managing engineering teams, leading cross-functional initiatives, or overseeing complex engineering projects.

Technical Hardware Background:

Direct experience with hands-on hardware development, assembly, and functional prototyping/testing. Preferred /

Highly Advantageous Specialized Engineering:

Direct design or management experience with mechanical valves, fuel valves, hydraulic systems, or electro-mechanical design.

Industry Experience:

Strong background in Aerospace & Defense products and familiarity with Mil-Spec standards.

Manufacturing Focus:

Deep knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.