Manager, Connectivity Engineering

At Safran Passenger Innovations, we make flying fun by maximizing the passenger experience. As an innovative in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) company, we design, engineer, manufacture, sell, and support world-class in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions. Our products are constantly evolving to tackle complex challenges in media distribution, playback, and networking, all within the secure and demanding inflight environment.

We thrive on collaboration, working in cross-functional teams where engineers, designers, and innovators come together to create solutions that truly redefine the passenger experience. Trusted by many of the world’s leading airlines, Safran IFEC delivers cutting-edge technology that enhances air travel. Join us and be part of a team shaping the future of in-flight entertainment and creating the best experiences for today and tomorrow!

Job Summary:

The Manager of Connectivity Engineering is accountable and responsible for managing the team of engineers assigned to the Connectivity Engineering group in Brea, CA. This position is responsible for the onboarding, managing, oversight and evaluation of the engineering personnel assigned to the Connectivity Engineering team. In this role, the Manager of Connectivity Engineering will work closely with Connectivity leadership to ensure the assigned technical personnel are executing the needed tasks, reprioritizing tasks as necessary. The Manager of Connectivity Engineering will collaborate closely with team members in the Gilching, Germany office, the Engineering team in Brea, and Product Management to ensure alignment with company priorities, strategic vision, business objectives, ROI and product deployment plans. This position will also be responsible for overseeing any technical outside services and/or staff augmentation that is needed to support executing the work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary manager responsible for the Connectivity Engineering team and their performance, development, and oversight
• Contribute to the Connectivity Leadership Team by providing input on personnel assignments and strategies to support Product Line goals
• Support onboarding personnel to create the Connectivity Technical Team in the SPI Brea Office – working with HR and Finance staff as appropriate for contractor personnel
• Manage key relationships within the organization for execution – Gilching office, IFE Engineering and the remainder of the Connectivity Product Team
• Monitor issues, deviations or departures from commitments and solve or notify the appropriate stakeholders
• Identify and suggest resolutions for process problems
• Support customer visits, sales, and the program office as required
• Mentor, manage and develop subordinates

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a related technical field
• 5 years of engineering experience with progressive responsibility in product development, systems integration, or related technical disciplines
• 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing engineering teams, including onboarding, performance oversight, and mentoring
• Strong background in project leadership, with the ability to reprioritize tasks, allocate resources, and drive execution to meet product line goals
• Proven ability to collaborate across global engineering teams, product management, and executive leadership to align priorities with business objectives and deployment plans
• Skilled at managing vendor or contractor engineering resources, including staff augmentation and outside technical services
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills to address technical issues, deviations, and process inefficiencies
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders, global offices, and external customers
• Prior aerospace industry experience preferred; in-flight entertainment (IFE) product knowledge a strong plus

Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $103,000 to $124,000 per year however, base pay offered may vary depending on the level, skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location.

In addition to a comprehensive package of health benefits that include company contributions, Safran Passenger Innovations offers a variety of additional benefits and perks to enhance your work-life balance experience including but not limited to:

• A home allowance to elevate your home workspace
• Discretionary bonus program
• Future financial security with a 401(k) program with company match
• Paid time off covering vacations, personal time off and sick days, capped off by an exciting year-end holiday shutdown
• Embraced flexibility with our alternative work schedule (9/80) to navigate your workweeks with every other Friday off