Mechanical Engineering Section Manager

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

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Leidos’ Defense Systems is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineering Section Manager to join our Mechanical Design & Analysis team based in Huntsville, AL.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and supporting the organizational needs of approximately 3–8 employees. The Section Manager will coordinate with the Branch Manager on personnel coverage, staffing needs, and administrative matters on a regular basis or as required. The Section Manager will interface with organizations across the enterprise to coordinate work assignments and ensure appropriate utilization of section employees. The Section Manager will conduct bi-annual performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and feedback to direct reports throughout the year. The Section Manager will also perform other leadership responsibilities as directed by the Branch Manager and other organizational leaders.

This position is primarily a technical engineering function (approximately 90 percent) with direct line management responsibilities (approximately 10 percent). However, demonstrated leadership capability and commitment to employee development will be the primary criteria for selection. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a servant leadership approach by prioritizing the development, engagement, and success of their employees while balancing program and organizational objectives.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today!

Primary Responsibilities. 

• Lead and support a team of engineers, including conducting one-on-one meetings, providing performance feedback, and facilitating career development discussions.
• Plan and coordinate team objectives in alignment with program and organizational goals.
• Identify and remove barriers to maintain productivity and mission focus.
• Support staffing activities, including interviewing and onboarding new engineers.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and mission execution.
• Build relationships with program and functional leadership to identify assignments and development opportunities that align employee strengths with organizational needs.

Basic Qualifications. 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution with 4+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree in engineering with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to balance technical engineering responsibilities (~90% of time) with direct line management responsibilities (~10% of time).
• Experience in the design, analysis, integration, manufacturing, or testing of mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with CAD tools such as Creo, CATIA, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks.
• Experience working within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environments.
• Understanding of cost and schedule impacts associated with engineering deliverables.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-starter who demonstrates initiative and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Demonstrated interest in mentoring, coaching, and team development.
• Ability to establish clear expectations, take ownership of team commitments, and hold team members accountable for results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be a current employee within or willing to transfer into the Mechanical Design & Analysis Department.
• Must possess an active DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications.

• At least 1 year of experience as a Leidos employee.
• Prior experience with direct reports or formal people management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing engineers.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with others, build relationships, and foster trust within a team.
• Ability to identify and leverage individual employee strengths to support team performance and professional development.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to clearly communicate priorities, expectations, and status to employees and organizational leadership.
• Experience working within the Mechanical Design & Analysis Department.
• Experience supporting rapid development, prototyping, or fast-paced engineering programs.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-31000 Technical Data Package (TDP) development and management.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.