Associate Mechanical Engineering Manager - Communication Systems

About the role

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are actively seeking a passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking Associate Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our Communication Systems business in Westminster, Colorado.

In this role, you will provide functional leadership for a team of Mechanical Engineers supporting the development of airborne, maritime, and ground-based phased array communication systems. You will be responsible for developing engineers, supporting resource planning, improving engineering processes, and ensuring successful execution across multiple product and customer programs.

Working closely with Program Managers, Responsible Engineers, Systems Engineers, and fellow Functional Managers, you will help ensure the Mechanical Engineering organization delivers high-quality technical work while continuously improving people, processes, and tools. In addition to your management responsibilities, you will remain an active technical contributor on critical product developments, leading mechanical design efforts and mentoring engineers through the full product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing ruggedized electronics packaging and mechanical systems for aerospace, defense, or communications applications and enjoys mentoring engineers while remaining hands-on in the development of production hardware.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing engineering culture.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, performance feedback, and career development for team members.
• Support staffing, hiring, onboarding, and resource allocation across programs and IRAD efforts.
• Partner with program leadership to ensure mechanical engineering activities are executed successfully while meeting technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve mechanical engineering processes, standards, tools, and best practices.
• Promote technical excellence through design reviews, engineering guidance, and mentorship.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor for ruggedized electronics packaging, phased array antenna systems, and communication hardware.
• Lead or support concept development, mechanical architecture, detailed design, structural and thermal analysis, manufacturing, integration, environmental qualification, and production transition activities.
• Support proposal development, customer technical discussions, and design reviews.
• Foster collaboration across Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, RF, Manufacturing, Quality, Test, and Supply Chain organizations.
• Promote CesiumAstro's culture, values, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• 4-7 years of industry experience as an individual contributor in the design and analysis of aerospace, defense, communications, or ruggedized electronics products.
• Additional 1 year of previous leadership or management experience, either as a technical lead, project lead, Responsible Engineer, IPT Lead, or people manager.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate engineers while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Experience designing PCBA-level and system-level electronics packaging and mechanical systems for aerospace, defense, or communications applications.
• Experience with the complete product development lifecycle including concept development, design, analysis, manufacturing, integration, environmental qualification, production, and sustainment.
• Experience with professional simulation tools such as ANSYS Mechanical and/or SolidWorks Simulation, as well as CAD/PDM systems such as SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
• Experience designing for aerospace and defense manufacturing methods including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, castings, bonded assemblies, additive manufacturing, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience supporting environmental qualification testing for ruggedized products, including standards such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, and other applicable aerospace or defense qualification requirements.
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards such as IPC, ASME, SAE, MIL-STD, RTCA DO-160, and related aerospace and defense specifications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands while supporting multiple concurrent programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with phased array antenna systems, RF electronics packaging, avionics, tactical communication systems, or defense electronics.
• Experience supporting EMI/EMC, vibration, shock, temperature, humidity, ingress protection, and other environmental qualification campaigns.

Additional information

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.