Unit Manager - Engineering

Location: Mishawaka, Indiana

Job Title: Unit Manager - Engineering


Status: Full-time Manager

Annual Salary Range: $122,300 - $203,500

*Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary

As the Unit Manager - Engineering of the Mishawaka Test Loop (MTL) in the Flow Control Equipment (FCE) Department, you will act as the Site Manager. Your overall responsibilities will include the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation of a high-energy test loop and corresponding facilities at a BPMI small, specialized remote site. Relocation to the Mishawaka, IN is required. The Unit Manager - Engineering of MTL is responsible for all aspects of the site and its operation and will be fully engaged in the training of team members and operation/maintenance of the equipment required to support Program relief valve testing along with periodic special test efforts. This role leads a small, focused team where the Unit Manager has broad, hands-on responsibility and clear ownership of site performance.

The Unit Manager - Engineering of MTL will also have overall responsibility for the oversight of the design finalization, construction, certification, and eventual operation of a new Quiet Test Loop (QTL) facility to be used for acoustic valve testing. The QTL is to be in near proximity to MTL and is targeted for production use by late-2028.

As a human-centered leader, the Unit Manager fosters a trusting and inclusive team culture, sets clear expectations, and empowers employees by providing mentorship, actionable feedback, and professional development opportunities. By driving results and championing continuous improvement, the Unit Manager ensures alignment of team activities with organizational and strategic objectives and delivers high-quality outcomes.

Transition to this assignment will be supported by the current MTL Site Manager as required.


Essential Duties:

• Ensure compliance with and execution of Site procedures and applicable BPMI operating instructions, Site environmental and safety regulatory requirements, and Site physical and information security requirements.
• Actively participate in, monitor, and assess Site training program(s).
• Ensure Site operating budgets are developed to support annual prime contract proposals and applicable cost justifications supporting the budget are documented as necessary.
• Lead, coach, mentor and develop a small team of operator technicians and engineers by providing clear direction and setting performance expectations.
• Offer regular feedback and conduct performance appraisals. Foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Ensure effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders including suppliers, contractors, laboratories and other BPMI departments.
• Provide succinct summaries, both oral and written, of work and work issues for senior management.
• Discuss, review and explain complex technical information and cost-effective recommendations with external and internal customers including issues, plans, problem causes and possible solutions.
• Provide leadership/guidance to employees on the standards contained in the Standards of Conduct and Business Ethics, ensure all employees reporting to this position are informed about the standards and related policies, and enforce them within this supervised authority.
• Maintain currency in changing technology, laws and/or regulations applicable to Site operations; conduct research into new concepts, equipment, processes, and regulations to provide appropriate recommendations to resolve problems and/or create new policy, procedures, and methods.
• Perform duties of a derivative classifier; responsible for the proper security and classification of unit work.
• The essential duties identified are representative but are not intended to be an exhaustive or inclusive list of all the responsibilities of the position.

What You Can Expect:

• A culture that values people through recognition of accomplishments, work-life balance, and a sense of community.
• A diverse group of talented individuals working toward the common goal of supporting the United States Navy in their pursuit of national security.
• Competitive and attractive pay and benefits with a stable organization.
• Opportunities to participate in BPMI sponsored committees and clubs, each with their own mission and purpose.
• Career advancement and professional development programs.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related technical field (i.e. Engineering, Science, etc.) from an accredited college or university.
• Six (6) years of related technical work experience. Advanced degrees (e.g., Master's, Ph. D.) may be considered as a partial substitute for required experience, depending on the relevance to the position, but may not fulfill the entire experience requirement.
• Requires a security clearance; however, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy security clearance is required.

Preferred Job Requirements:

• Operating plant/system familiarity or experience.
• Pump/valve familiarity or experience.
• A production mind-set for delivering tested valves in support of Program needs.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements while maintaining compliance with organizational policies, procedures and applicable regulations.
• Able to resolve conflicts and negotiate effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Why BPMI?

Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI) is a prime contractor for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). BPMI is involved in the design, purchase, quality control, and delivery of major propulsion plant components for installation in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and prototype plants for the U.S. Navy. Teamwork, cooperation, and the pursuit of excellence have been the driving forces behind the growth and success of BPMI. For more information, visit

BPMI is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you will be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.