Associate Director, Aerospace Nacelle Equipment Manager (Onsite)

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. This role is onsite at our Chula Vista, CA location.

About the role

Collins Aerospace, a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions for the aerospace and defense industry, is seeking an Aerospace Nacelle Equipment Manager to oversee the equipment organization of 60+ engineers globally. This role leads the lifecycle management of specialized equipment used on Engine Nacelles, from setting requirements through development, testing, and production. The position ensures equipment readiness, regulatory compliance, and supplier management through certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the equipment function across global engineering sites.
• Manage all nacelle-related equipment from definition of requirements through full qualification.
• Develop and maintain equipment strategies, including supplier management, program, and customer integration.
• Serve as the primary liaison between program, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and external vendors for equipment-related needs.
• Oversee equipment design, qualification, certification, and compliance with airworthiness authorities and company policy.
• Manage equipment performance in production and the field; identify opportunities to improve reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Identify Vertical Integration (VI) opportunities and establish technology development plans in support of VI activities.
• Drive execution of technology projects to introduce VI components into production nacelle configurations.
• Lead equipment-related risk management activities, including obsolescence planning and contingency strategies.
• Support new product introduction by ensuring required test and production equipment is planned, sourced, on budget, and on schedule.
• Resource and financial planning and execution in line with allocated budgets.
• Manage equipment and capital planning and forecasting; prepare business cases for new investments.
• Ensure all equipment aligns with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Develop and grow talent through training and development programs.
• Support audits, customer reviews, and regulatory assessments related to equipment management.

Requirements

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Experience in aerospace nacelles, aerostructures, or complex mechanical systems.
• Experience with regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA) and industry quality standards (AS9100).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of aerospace equipment suppliers and processes.
• Proven experience in equipment lifecycle management.
• Excellent communication, planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering and production environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health: fertility and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives: wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand: virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons: child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts: second opinion program.

This role may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $172,900 - $328,700 USD.