The Project Engineering Manager – Structural and Mechanical Integration leads cross-functional engineering efforts for the integration of structural and mechanical systems into complex platforms such as aircraft, spacecraft, or ground systems. This role bridges the gap between design, systems engineering, manufacturing, and testing, ensuring seamless integration of components and subsystems into a structurally sound and mechanically functional product. The manager is responsible for technical execution, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, and coordination across engineering disciplines to deliver integrated solutions that meet program performance, cost, and delivery targets.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead integration of structural and mechanical systems—airframes, load-bearing structures, enclosures, mechanisms, and thermal supports—into complex vehicle platforms
Manage engineering planning, resource allocation, and technical execution of integration projects from concept through validation
Define interface requirements, physical architecture, load paths, mounting schemes, and design envelopes in coordination with design and systems engineering teams
Facilitate trade studies, structural optimization, and weight reduction efforts to support performance, manufacturability, and compliance
Oversee release of engineering drawings, BOMs, interface control documents (ICDs), and design change requests
Coordinate closely with manufacturing, assembly, and test teams to ensure designs are producible, testable, and aligned with downstream constraints
Support platform-level design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and contribute to system verification and validation planning
Drive resolution of technical issues across structural and mechanical integration efforts, including supplier-contributed hardware
Identify integration risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure delivery of technically sound and schedule-compliant systems
Serve as primary technical liaison between project engineering, systems engineering, program management, and customer stakeholders
Key Focus Areas:
Mechanical and structural integration of subsystems into aerospace or high-performance platforms
Cross-discipline coordination across design, analysis, manufacturing, and systems teams
Technical ownership of mechanical interfaces, packaging, and load-bearing design compliance
Configuration control, drawing release, and engineering documentation governance
Execution of project plans, risk assessments, and integration reviews
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline required
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, or related technical field preferred
Certifications:
PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred
INCOSE CSEP or Six Sigma certification a plus
Experience:
10–15+ years of experience in structural/mechanical engineering within aerospace, defense, or related industries
5+ years in project or integration engineering leadership roles
Proven success in delivering integrated mechanical/structural systems for complex vehicles or platforms
Experience working with CAD, analysis, and configuration management systems across full product lifecycles
Technical Skills:
Proficient in 3D CAD (CATIA, NX, Creo) and PDM/PLM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill)
Understanding of structural mechanics, thermal-structural interactions, vibration, and load path analysis
Familiarity with industry design standards and compliance protocols (e.g., ASME Y14.5, MIL-STD-31000, DO-160, FAR Part 23/25, etc.)
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple technical tasks under tight deadlines
Collaborative mindset with a proactive, problem-solving approach
Effective at managing conflict, influencing cross-functional teams, and delivering results