Mechanical Engineering Manager

We are looking for a motivated Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers developing cutting-edge products and technologies for military, governmental, and commercial customers. This role combines technical leadership, project ownership, mentorship, and hands-on engineering.

Our engineers drive projects from concept through production, working across design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. The Mechanical Engineering Manager will provide technical direction, mentor engineers, oversee project execution, and help solve challenging real-world engineering problems while remaining engaged in the technical work.

Our R&D spans a wide range of technologies, including advanced HVAC systems, engine electrification, robotics, additive manufacturing, hypersonic vehicle components, laser weapon cooling, and more. No two days are the same, and this role offers significant opportunity to influence the direction of both our engineering team and future R&D efforts.

Company Expectations

We are looking for leaders who embody our values:

• Problem solvers – We seek leaders who can guide teams toward innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

• Intellectual curiosity – A passion for engineering, technology, and continuous learning is essential.

• Internally motivated – Our engineers and managers are trusted to take ownership, make decisions, and move projects forward without excessive oversight.

• Highly agile – Our work crosses traditional engineering boundaries, and our priorities can change quickly based on customer and program needs.

• Strong technical leaders – We expect our managers to develop people, maintain high engineering standards, and lead by example.

• Collaborative – Success requires close collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, business development, program management, and our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers.

• Provide technical direction and oversight across multiple R&D and product development programs.

• Establish engineering approaches, development plans, and technical objectives for projects.

• Review and guide mechanical design, analysis, simulation, prototyping, and testing activities.

• Ensure engineering designs are appropriately analyzed, validated, tested, and transitioned toward production.

• Maintain high standards for engineering quality, technical rigor, documentation, and problem solving.

• Help engineers identify and investigate new technologies and approaches.

• Balance technical priorities, project schedules, resources, and customer requirements.

• Participate in hands-on engineering activities, including design reviews, analysis, prototype development, testing, and troubleshooting.

• Interface directly with customers and provide technical leadership during project development.

• Support proposal development, technical presentations, and new business opportunities.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and other functional groups to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.

• Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, capabilities, and team performance.

Position Requirements

• BSME + 7 years of relevant engineering experience OR MSME + 5 years of relevant engineering experience from an accredited university.

• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring mechanical engineers and/or technical teams.

• GPA of 3.3 or higher at all completed degree levels.

• US Citizenship required due to strict ITAR regulations.

• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals.

• Demonstrated experience in mechanical design, analysis, testing, or product development.

• Experience taking engineering concepts through prototype development, testing, iteration, and production.

• Experience with CAD and engineering analysis tools.

• ANSYS experience with an understanding of the importance of correlating analytical results with physical testing.

• Strong technical communication and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing leadership and direction to others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FEA and/or CFD, particularly ANSYS/FLUENT.

• Experience designing and testing mechanical systems or components.

• Knowledge of laboratory testing equipment and experimental setups.

• Experience with design for manufacturing and working directly with manufacturing personnel.

• Experience in one or more of Mainstream's technical focus areas.

• Experience supporting technical proposals or customer presentations.

• Experience working in an R&D, defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced manufacturing environment.

Mainstream Engineering Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.