Manager of Engineering

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry, and we recognize this is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being with a small company feel.


When you join our team, we don't think you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That's why when you start, they start with you! This includes medical, dental, 401K match, time off accruals, weekly pay days and much more. We don't want you to live to work, we want you to work and live.

What you can expect as a Manager of Engineering at West Star:


We're seeking a knowledgeable and motivated professional to support innovative aircraft projects with expertise in regulations and systems. In this role, you'll manage the preparation of certification documents and engineering drawings while contributing across electrical, mechanical, and structural systems, bringing specialized knowledge into at least one area. You'll manage multiple projects independently, applying sound engineering judgment and integrity in every decision. You'll also engage directly with customers, support Team Leaders and technicians, and help drive program success. Working closely with management, you'll contribute to new project development while supervising engineers and guiding production teams with your technical expertise.


You will be ESSENTIAL to many FUNCTIONS including:


Engage employees for feedback on improvement opportunities or other job related needs to enhance the work environment and remove obstacles.
Under minimal supervision, exercise discretion and sound business judgment to deliver an on time and squawk free customer service experience while adhering to all regulatory, safety, quality and company standards.
Hire, assess, and develop employees at various skill levels to perform work in accordance with all applicable procedures and standards.
Review available manpower by skill and shift to plan short and long-term training needs along with hiring goals for an optimized workforce. Share manpower when required, with other Engineering Departments.
Provide modification drawings to the Avionics Installation department for installation of new systems.
Provide guidance for the Avionics Installation department during the installation process.
Assist Avionics/Maintenance departments in troubleshooting various avionics/electrical problems on aircraft.
Provide modification drawings to the Interior Department for modifications to cabin interiors.
Provide modification/repair drawings to the Maintenance Departments for aircraft structural repairs
Provide documentation for STC and Field approvals, Electrical load analysis, Wire Routing, Installation Guidelines, etc.
Systematically troubleshoot Avionics and their support systems.
Assist the actual installation and troubleshooting process and function within the Technician role, as needed.
General knowledge of required drawings and specifications, including the production of drawings, reading, interpreting and making changes to drawings and specifications.
General knowledge of all related Avionics systems, including their installation, testing, troubleshooting, removal, upgrades, and integration requirements.
Knowledge of current advances in Avionics system development
Collaborate with others to produce innovative ideas and participate in the decision-making process.
The ability to make decisions regarding problems, changes, and/or disagreements within the framework of the installations and troubleshooting processes.
Approving West Star's drawings, Engineering Change Notices, etc.
Performing engineering analysis related to the assigned engineering discipline.
Provide technical supervision and support for Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III, and Sr Engineer personnel.
Maintaining customer schedules and work quality.
Perform engineering analysis of data in support of Field Approvals and STC projects.
Creating and submitting engineering drawings and illustrations on CAD software.
Creating and submitting engineering documents using word processing software.
Work independently of projects as assigned.
Assist with FAA certification aspects of Engineering Department functions.
Monitor incoming engineering requests via the Engineering Request Form (ERF)
Effectively and clearly communicate (i.e., speak, write, read) in English
Any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.


What you'll need to bring with you:

Your Education/Experience :
A High school diploma or equivalent.
4-year degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation or related experience.
A valid driver's license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal, but not mandatory.
Must have advanced knowledge of CAD.
Experience in performing data analysis and substantiation in primary engineering discipline.
Experience writing engineering reports and/or technical papers.
Experience in customer support, including technical support.
FAA certification processes and paperwork experience.


Your Initiative:
We're looking for team players who are self-motivated and able to perform in a fast-paced environment where working under specific deadlines and time constraints will be common.


Your Sense of Responsibility:
Must perform all work in accordance with the Federal Aviation Regulation guidelines.
Must follow all company and safety rules while performing duties.
Must have a working knowledge of West Star Quality and Engineering policies.
Approve data as being adequate, for West Star.
Support the work of multiple projects.
Assist shop members in daily operations and duties.
Completion of FAA paperwork.
Maintain customer-oriented work habits.
Initiate daily contact with Team Leaders at the assigned aircraft or project site.
Must have a working knowledge of West Star quality and engineering policies.
Must be willing to embrace the use of programs operated by West Star and Engineering such as Celoxis, Corridor, PDM, Microsoft 365.


Other particulars:

Physical Requirements
Lifts 50 lbs.
Routine walking, bending and squatting or sitting.
Routine or repetitive physical motion with arms and hands.
Climb ladders and stairs, work in small, restricted areas.
Standing and sitting for long periods of time.
Advanced personal computer operations.
Varied positions in and around an aircraft, including tight quarters.


Mental Requirements
Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines.
Ability to troubleshoot or evaluate system operation.
Ability to work with others in a professional manner.
Ability to understand, implement and interpret the Federal Aviation Regulations and West Star Aviation written policies.
Capable of reading and understanding technical data relating to the engineering aspects of aircraft maintenance and certification.
Possess competent technical writing skills.
Possess the math skills required to perform engineering analysis.
Ability to analyze new information and draw correct conclusions.
Ability to coordinate projects.
Team environment skills.
High level of math and technical writing skills.
Able to efficiently run CAD, word processing, spreadsheet and database software.


Working Conditions Work in an office environment, heated maintenance and paint hangar environments.
Occasional work in outside conditions may be required.
Occasional travel may be required.


Equipment Used
Office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.
Inspection equipment such as mirrors, borescopes, magnification devices, etc.
Measurement devices such as calipers and micrometers.
Equipment used for physical testing such as mechanical or electrical load testing.

Company Description:

With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.