Engineering Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers focused on the design, development, and production of electromechanical actuation systems supporting commercial and military aerospace applications. This role combines people leadership, operational management, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation, product delivery, and continuous improvement in a New Product Introduction (NPI) environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 12 engineers across multiple experience levels.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment focused on employee engagement, professional growth, and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, talent development, and training initiatives using training matrices and talent management tools.
• Organize team-building activities, provide mentorship, and build trust through active engagement with employees.
• Provide oversight of electromechanical actuation products and systems, including moving mechanical assemblies and aerospace flight control applications.
• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, design processes, and standard work practices.
• Develop, execute, and manage departmental and project budgets in alignment with profitability and business objectives.
• Oversee resource planning, workload balancing, equipment procurement, and departmental operations.
• Partner with PMO and business leaders to effectively allocate engineering resources and support project execution.
• Utilize financial analysis tools and metrics to drive informed business decisions.
• Lead engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through production and support.
• Ensure successful execution of New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives while integrating lessons learned to improve future programs.
• Drive robust design practices and product development velocity while ensuring quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with Technology/Platform Development, Product Engineering, Design & Drafting, Aero Electronics, Product Management, PMO, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.
• Align engineering strategies with business objectives and corporate growth initiatives.
• Partner with customers and internal stakeholders to support quality standards, technical requirements, and delivery objectives.
• Increase collaboration across business units and other company locations.
• Champion Lean Product Development, Design for Six Sigma, waste elimination, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Drive systemic and process improvements that enhance efficiency, product quality, and engineering effectiveness.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and program risks while supporting strategic business goals.
• Promote a culture of learning, adaptability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain a highly skilled, adaptable workforce capable of meeting current and future business demands.
• Support workforce planning and succession strategies to ensure organizational capability and growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering and engineering management experience.
• Proven success leading engineering teams in an aerospace or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with electromechanical product development and product lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage departmental and project budgets.
• Experience supporting NPI programs and complex engineering projects.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting commercial and military aerospace programs.
• Knowledge of flight control systems, utility actuation systems, or related electromechanical aerospace products.
• Experience with Lean Product Development, Design for Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of engineering tools including CAD, CAE, DFMEA, GD&T, configuration management, and validation testing.
• Aerospace industry experience strongly preferred.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $113,000.00 - $181,000.00/yr. All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. 401(k) match (4.5%) Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays. Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave. Paid parental leave. Adoption Assistance Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits. Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life Member referral bonus Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Niles,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.