Senior Manager, Structures Test Engineering

About the Team:  

The Factory Test team is responsible for hardware testing in our Long Beach facilities. We use our breadth of experience and collaborative engineering approach to support everything from very large structural tests to precise valve actuation. To that end, we design, build, and operate all test assets in Long Beach from initial concept to test execution. If you enjoy working on a multi-disciplinary team with a broad mandate and want to put hands on hardware, then this is the team for you.

About the Role: 

As the Manager of Test Structures Engineering, you will lead the team responsible for designing and analyzing the structural components of our test stands. You will allocate tasks, review analysis and drawings, implement and uphold design standards, resolve technical trade studies with stakeholders, and mentor team members. Your time will be divided approximately 35/65 between individual and leadership-oriented tasks.

Based in Long Beach, our engineers are responsible for the full design cycle on projects ranging from fast and temporary to permanent, long-term infrastructure. You will partner with many other teams including Vehicle Design, Additive, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing to create development and production-level test assets. Your team’s primary duties will include:

• Design and analysis of static and/or dynamic test stands
• Creation of fabrication drawings, procurement, and project management
• Assembly, commissioning, and operation of test stands

You should be an expert in your field, able to help us solve new and wide-ranging challenges. While previous aerospace experience is not required, you should be familiar with the mechanical design and analysis process for highly loaded components.

About You:  

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
• 9+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and building metallic structures
• 3+ years of leadership experience
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and retain top-tier engineering talent
• Track record of delivering complex and innovative projects on time and on budget
• Thorough understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals and their application
• Experience with the complete design cycle from requirements generation to functional product
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and drafting, including expert knowledge of GD&T
• Demonstrated experience with structural analysis using NASTRAN or similar tools

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Previous design experience with weld size analysis
• Hands-on experience with metalworking, welding, hydraulics, manufacturing, etc.
• Ability to automate workflows using Python, VBA, etc.
• Willing to work at heights, in confined spaces, in a dirty environment, and away from your desk
• No previous aerospace experience is required for this position