R&D Engineering Manager

R&D Engineering Manager
St. Paul, MN | Direct-Hire | $140,000-$180,000 | 100% onsite

Konik is partnering with a growing aerospace manufacturing and engineering organization seeking to add an R&D Engineering Manager to lead new product development, certification, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. This organization designs and manufactures highly engineered aviation products used globally across passenger transport, tourism, and specialty aviation applications.


This is a highly visible leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary engineering teams focused on mechanical, electrical, electronic, and systems engineering development efforts. The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who can balance innovation, execution, regulatory requirements, product development, and team leadership within a highly technical and regulated environment.

R&D Engineering Manager Responsibilities

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams responsible for research, product development, systems integration, and certification activities
• Manage new product development initiatives from concept through production launch and certification
• Provide technical leadership and support for complex engineering challenges across mechanical, electrical, systems, and aerospace applications
• Partner closely with program management teams to define project scope, schedules, priorities, risks, and technical objectives
• Oversee engineering workload planning, staffing priorities, and technical resource allocation across multiple active projects
• Support engineering analysis, design reviews, technical evaluations, and product development efforts as needed
• Drive continuous improvement related to engineering processes, configuration control, documentation, and product data management
• Collaborate with leadership teams to align engineering activities with broader company strategy and operational objectives
• Mentor and develop engineering talent while helping build technical capabilities aligned with future product development goals
• Support FAA certification activities, regulatory compliance, and technical documentation processes

R&D Engineering Manager Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred
• 10+ years of engineering or aerospace industry experience
• Prior engineering leadership or management experience preferred
• Experience leading new product introductions and complex development programs
• Background within aerospace, aviation, or other highly regulated technical industries preferred
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes, systems integration, and technical problem-solving methodologies
• Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering efforts within fast-paced development environments
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to balance technical depth with project execution, team leadership, and strategic planning
• Comfortable operating in both hands-on engineering support and high-level leadership capacities

R&D Engineering Manager Preferred Experience

• FAA certification processes and regulatory compliance exposure
• FAA DER credentials
• Aerospace manufacturing, aviation systems, or complex engineered product environments
• Experience with design reviews, engineering configuration management, and product lifecycle processes
• Cross-functional leadership involving mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams

Compensation & Benefits

• Bonus potential
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• PTO and paid holidays
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Collaborative engineering-focused culture with long-term stability and innovation investment

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Konik is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been a leader in the technical staffing industry for more than 50 years, providing the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.

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