Engineering Manager, Propulsion Systems
Stevens Point, WI | Full-Time | On-Site
About the Role:We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager, Propulsion Systems to lead the engineering organization supporting the development, industrialization, and production of advanced gas turbine propulsion systems for aerospace and defense applications. This is a highly visible leadership role that serves as the primary technical interface between customers, internal leadership, manufacturing, and strategic suppliers.
The ideal candidate combines deep propulsion engineering expertise with exceptional leadership, customer relationship management, and business acumen. This individual will translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective propulsion solutions while balancing technical performance, schedule, quality, and profitability. Success in this role requires the ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, navigate changing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented aerospace environment.
As the organization expands, this position will play a critical role in building and mentoring the engineering team while establishing scalable engineering processes that support long-term production growth.
Responsibilities:- Lead the engineering organization responsible for the development, industrialization, and production support of aerospace propulsion systems.
- Serve as the primary engineering liaison between customers, internal leadership, manufacturing, and strategic suppliers.
- Translate customer technical requirements into manufacturable, reliable, and profitable propulsion system solutions.
- Lead engineering activities supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), product industrialization, manufacturing readiness, and production scale-up.
- Establish engineering priorities, allocate resources, and manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing cost, schedule, quality, and customer expectations.
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary engineering team.
- Support gas turbine engine assembly, testing, validation, troubleshooting, and qualification activities.
- Drive engineering problem-solving initiatives utilizing Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure successful execution of engineering programs.
- Lead supplier technical reviews, component qualification activities, and engineering collaboration with external manufacturing partners.
- Develop engineering standards, work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and engineering change processes that support scalable production.
- Improve manufacturing capability, First Pass Yield (FPY), product quality, and operational efficiency through engineering process improvements.
- Support customer meetings, technical presentations, proposal development, and executive briefings.
- Foster strong customer relationships through technical leadership, responsiveness, and exceptional engineering support.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree preferred.
- 10+ years of aerospace engineering experience, including significant experience supporting gas turbine engines, turbojet engines, turbofan engines, turboprop engines, or other aerospace propulsion systems.
- Minimum of 5 years of engineering leadership or engineering management experience.
- Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Experience serving as the primary technical interface with aerospace or defense customers.
- Strong understanding of propulsion system development, product industrialization, manufacturing, testing, and qualification.
- Proven ability to translate customer requirements into practical engineering solutions while balancing technical performance, manufacturability, schedule, and profitability.
- Experience managing engineering support for New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up.
- Strong communication, leadership, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively within a rapidly changing business environment.
Required:
- U.S. Citizenship is required to comply with applicable government regulations and customer requirements associated with aerospace and defense programs.
Desired Qualifications:- Experience with small gas turbine engines, UAV propulsion systems, turbojet engines, turbofan engines, or other advanced aerospace propulsion technologies.
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), military, or government aerospace programs.
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing standards.
- Experience with Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA).
- Experience supporting supplier development, component qualification, and manufacturing process development.
- Familiarity with FAA or EASA certification processes.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
- MBA or advanced technical degree is a plus.
Why Join Us?This is a unique opportunity to help build and lead the engineering organization for an emerging aerospace propulsion manufacturer. You will play a pivotal role in shaping engineering strategy, developing innovative propulsion solutions, building a world-class engineering team, and partnering directly with customers to bring advanced aerospace technologies from concept through production.
If you are passionate about propulsion engineering, technical leadership, and building scalable engineering organizations, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping shape the future of aerospace propulsion technology.
