Design Engineering Manager – Aircraft Structures & Certification (FAR Part 23/25)

Position Location: Albany, GA 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent W2

About the Enterprise

Join a well-established aviation manufacturing leader operating out of a major regional airport facility in Albany, GA. Specialized in designing, producing, and supporting highly engineered aircraft structures and specialized flight platforms, our organization seamlessly unites research, airframe design, structural analysis, flight testing, and lifecycle support under one roof. Engineers in our facility tackle multi-system R&D challenges every day—creating elegant, highly optimized structural solutions across complex aircraft subsystems.

Compensation, Incentives & Relocation Perks

• Base Remuneration: Highly competitive annual salary, individually negotiated based on the depth of your engineering expertise and direct managerial tenure.

• Incentive Program: Performance-aligned annual bonus opportunities tied to project execution, team performance, and leadership milestones.

• Relocation Package: Comprehensive financial relocation assistance is available to support a smooth transition to the Albany, GA region.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Choice of traditional or High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP); comprehensive dental and vision coverage; prescription drug benefits; short-term and long-term disability; supplemental insurance options; paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays; paid parental leave; 401(k) retirement savings plans; and sponsored professional development/training access.

Position Summary

Serving as a key operational and technical leader, this position directly manages the design engineering department to guarantee that all technical releases, structural drawings, and product modifications meet strict airworthiness, safety, and timeline standards. Reporting to executive leadership, you will balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on production engineering—serving as the primary bridge between design engineering, factory floor manufacturing, and regulatory authorities (FAA/DERs).

Core Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations for the design engineering division, driving project schedules from initial concept through production release.

• Develop, monitor, and maintain detailed engineering master schedules across product design, stress analysis, testing, and manufacturing phases.

• Present project roadmaps, resource allocations, and progress metrics clearly across interdepartmental leadership meetings.

• Lead critical airworthiness certification interfaces with the FAA and Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs).

• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives across the engineering department to elevate technical accuracy and throughput.

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate engineering staff, building technical capability while monitoring shop-floor support performance.

• Oversee departmental budgets, engineering tooling, software systems, and technical resources effectively.

• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional department heads, component suppliers, and external engineering contractors.

• Establish and enforce departmental policies, design standards, and operational SOPs to elevate team output.

• Lead technical communication during formal design review gates (PDR/CDR) and executive strategy sessions.

Minimum Prerequisites

• Education: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.

• Experience Tiers:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree; OR

• Master’s degree (M.S.) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience.

• Leadership Track Record: At least 5 years of explicit supervisory or direct management experience leading engineering personnel.

• Regulatory Familiarity: Verifiable hands-on experience navigating FAR Part 23 or Part 25 airworthiness certification standards.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep command of core engineering principles, structural fabrication methods, aircraft repair practices, aviation hardware, and general maintenance operations.

• CAD Proficiency: Advanced fluency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D mechanical CAD platforms.

• Professional Attributes: Self-motivated, highly adaptable, and capable of leading teams effectively under tight operational timelines with minimal supervision.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for interdepartmental coordination and regulatory liaison work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad systems engineering background encompassing multi-subsystem integration on fixed-wing aircraft.

• Demonstrated strength in structural airframe integration, industry manufacturing standards, and compliance documentation.

• Proven track record of building effective working relationships with FAA officials, DERs, and commercial fleet customers.

Partner With Rio Staffing

The engineering recruitment division at Rio Staffing represents top-tier technical leaders to esteemed aerospace and defense manufacturers nationwide. We serve as your direct career advocate—coordinating interview stages, providing timely feedback, and advocating for your compensation parameters to ensure your next career move aligns with your long-term goals.

Advance your leadership career in aviation. Apply directly with us today or explore more opportunities online at www.riostaffing.com.