Lead Aircraft Design & Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Manager of Design Engineering

Location: Albany, GA ( Onsite )

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Client

A well-established aviation manufacturer specializing in the design and support of highly engineered aircraft structures. The organization operates at a major regional airport, integrating engineering, product development, manufacturing activities, and customer support. Teams collaborate across structural design, analysis, testing, and lifecycle engineering for multiple aircraft platforms. Thrush Aircraft offers a unique opportunity for engineers to address different aspects of R&D, design, test, analysis, and production support, creatively challenging individuals to find elegant solutions that optimize designs across multiple sub-systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: 120,000 - 140,000/year

• Incentive Pay: Impactful end-of-year bonus opportunities tailored to performance and experience.

• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates moving to the Albany, GA area.

• Benefits Package: Competitive compensation structure including base pay and incentive compensation opportunities. Employer-provided medical insurance plans (traditional and high-deductible), dental, vision, prescription coverage, disability benefits, supplemental coverage options, paid time off, holidays, paid parental leave, retirement savings programs, and training/development access.

Job Summary

This position serves as a critical operational and technical leader, directly managing the design engineering team to ensure the accuracy, safety, and timeliness of all product design releases. The role balances execution of project plans with structural design oversight, bridging high-level engineering strategy with hands-on production support. Work involves managing program interfaces with the FAA and DERs, developing departmental policies, and mentoring personnel to optimize performance while thriving under operational pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design engineering team and oversee execution of project plans

• Create and maintain complex project schedules related to design, development, and manufacturing

• Present and coordinate project schedules effectively with other departments and managers across the organization

• Manage critical program interfaces with the FAA and Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs)

• Lead departmental and business-wide improvement initiatives to ensure effective and timely processes

• Hire, train, and develop engineering personnel while continuously tracking and improving shop performance

• Manage budgets, schedules, systems, and engineering resources effectively

• Communicate and collaborate seamlessly with other managers, suppliers, and contractors

• Develop policies, procedures, and processes to improve overall departmental performance

• Communicate effectually during high-level design review meetings

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering) or a related discipline

• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree; OR a Master's degree with more than 5 years of relevant experience

• Minimum 5 years of explicit management or supervisory experience leading engineering teams

• Previous experience working with FAR Part 23 or Part 25 certification requirements

• Comprehensive working knowledge of engineering principles, repair and fabrication practices, aviation hardware, and general aircraft maintenance operations

• Ability to work well within a tight-knit team environment as a critical component of the position

• Must be a self-starter who is adaptable, highly motivated, able to work under pressure, and can work with minimal or no supervision

• High proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD platforms

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and oral

Ideal Qualifications

• Advanced systems engineering expertise across multiple sub-systems

• Demonstrated strength in aircraft integration, industry design standards, and FAA regulations

• Proven capability to coordinate effectively with the FAA, DERs, and premium fleet customers

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and oral

Elevate Your Career

Apply for this Manager of Design Engineering position and let Rio Staffing represent you to our network of esteemed aviation clients. We are committed to providing timely feedback and advocating for you throughout the hiring process, ensuring you find the role that aligns with your career goals. Our direct hire services focus on placing top professionals in positions where they can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Start your journey with us today.

Apply directly with us today or connect with our recruitment team online at