Engineering Manager

Job Details:
Title: Engineering Manager
Location: Sterling, Virginia (On-site)
Duration: Fulltime
Mode Of Interview: Virtual followed by In-Person
 
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
As an US Citizent, an Engineering Manager is responsible to lead and oversee both production, research, and development (R&D) engineering teams specializing in mechanical, chemical, and materials science engineering. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong technical background, excellent leadership abilities, and a passion for driving innovation and operational excellence. The Engineering Manager will be responsible for managing the engineering team and delivering both short-term operational goals and long-term development objectives.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Personnel Management:
Provides direct management of the engineering team
Communicates short-, near-, and long-term objectives (and metrics) to the team and establishes methods of accountability
Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and training to enhance team skills, knowledge, and performance
Conducts performance reviews, sets goals, and provides regular feedback to team members
Promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
 
Engineering Management:
Works with Operations Managers to optimize manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency
Guides R&D teams in developing new products, materials, and technologies aligned with company strategy
Plans and executes schedules and resource needs to support customer requirements
Manages department forecasts, budgets, production schedules, and personnel plans, tracking actuals vs goals
Analyzes operational data, such as production costs/schedules and process flow to determine efficient utilization of resources. Utilizes data to produce operational improvements
Collaborates with operations teams to troubleshoot and resolve production challenges
Oversees prototype development, testing, and scale-up processes
Identifies and procures necessary tools, technologies, and equipment to support and expand production and R&D activities
Reviews engineering work products (designs, manuals, reports, etc.) for accuracy prior to submission
 
Strategic Planning and Execution:
Develops and executes engineering and business development strategies to meet company goals and growth targets
Works with Program Managers to manage project portfolios, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to high-priority initiatives
 
Compliance and Safety:
Ensures all engineering activities comply with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards, such as sensitive information handling requirements, OSHA standards, etc.
Works closely with EHS to promote a culture of safety and sustainability across teams
Business Development and Market Alignment
Develops and writes proposals, including technical approaches, management plans, and cost estimates
Writes projects reports, as needed
Maintains currency in new technologies and potential applications, applying this understanding to product and business development efforts
Assists with initiatives to commercialize new products and technologies, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer requirements
Occasionally represents the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows to enhance visibility and network
Other related responsibilities and duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master's degree in mechanical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or a closely related engineering field  may substitute experience)
10+ years of managerial experience
End-to-end supply chain ownership experience (planning, sourcing, logistics, production support)
Strong ERP/MRP systems experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.)
Proven negotiation, contract management, and cost‑reduction achievements
 
SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality is critical
Leadership & Team Impact: Accountability, team player commitment, strategic thinking
Service Delivery: Excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills & professionalism, the ability to anticipate and respond to needs, openness to change, attitude of continual improvement, strong organizational skills
Job knowledge: Exceptional leadership and management skills, risk management, effective planning, financial literacy, strong written communication skills
Autonomy, Judgment & Decision-Making: Prioritization & time management skills, creativity & critical problem-solving, ability to plan strategically
Relationship management, especially at managerial and stakeholder levels
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
MS Office Suite
 
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with specialty materials (advanced alloys, ceramics, composites, engineered metals, polymers, chemicals)
Background with long-lead, sole-source, or regulated materials
Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, energy, or other quality-intensive environments
APICS CPIM / CSCP, CPSM, or Six Sigma certification
Lean manufacturing or CI experience
Knowledge of export controls and compliance frameworks
Master’s degree or MBA
 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Engineers

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level is usually low to moderate. Work hours will typically be 8+ hour shifts, work hours may depend on project requirements and can include early mornings, evenings, and weekends.