Mechanical Engineering Manager

Kavaliro is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Manager for our local Jacksonville client who will be responsible for leading all aspects of mechanical engineering activities, from early product development through final production. This role ensures projects, initiatives, and workflows meet both customer expectations and internal standards. Additionally, the manager supports proposals, quality assurance efforts, procurement, and manufacturing operations, while also offering technical leadership to junior engineers and drafting staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct mechanical engineering projects from concept through delivery.
  
  
• Manage team workload and forecast staffing needs.
  
  
• Provide hiring recommendations, conduct performance reviews, and address performance issues when necessary.
  
  
• Collaborate with program management to establish cost and scheduling goals.
  
  
• Develop and refine processes to boost efficiency and productivity.
  
  
• Support the improvement of Product Data Management (PDM) workflows and Configuration Management (CM) plans.
  
  
• Participate actively in Change Control Boards (CCB).
  
  
• Assist with proposals, quality assurance reviews, procurement activities, and manufacturing support.
  
  
• Deliver regular project updates to the Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, and Program Managers.
  
  
• Serve as a primary point of communication with customers as needed.
  
  
• Ensure designs meet all customer specifications and adhere to applicable standards.
  
  
• Assess product performance, reliability, and safety, and support the creation of production drawings and machining files.
  
  
• Mentor and guide mechanics, technicians, and junior staff.
  
  
• Work closely with production teams to improve product designs and assembly methods.
  
  
• Contribute to decisions regarding equipment and tooling purchases.
  
  
• Handle government-furnished equipment and materials responsibly and safely.
  
  
• Maintain a standard work schedule and be available for overtime when required.
  
  
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience managing diverse engineering teams.
  
  
• Strong understanding of engineering development cycles.
  
  
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
  
  
• Knowledge of GD&T principles and standards such as ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, and MIL-STD-100G (or current equivalents).
  
  
• Familiarity with military structural and hydraulic systems for land, air, and sea applications.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaboration at all organizational levels and with external customers.
  
  
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  
  
• Hands-on experience with Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
  
  
• Solid foundation in core engineering principles like mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and materials science.
  
  
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, and welding.
  
  
• Preferred experience with industry and military material, part, and process specifications.
  
  
• Creativity, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work in a dynamic environment.
  
  
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
  
  
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance, if needed.
  
  
• Willingness to travel as necessary.
  
  

Education and Experience

• Bachelor s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
  
  
• At least six (6) years of experience in mechanical engineering design.
  
  
• A minimum of three (3) years in a management or leadership role is preferred.
  
  
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, including machining, sheet metal work, welding, and assembly, is highly desirable.
  
  
• Experience with fixed-wing or rotary-wing airframe structures and hydraulic systems is a plus.
  
  
• Prior military service with aviation maintenance experience is advantageous.
  
  
• Familiarity with 3D scanning technologies and 3D printing is a bonus.
  
  Kavaliro provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Kavaliro is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Kavaliro will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please respond to this posting to connect with a company representative.