Engineering Operations Manager

Universal Avionics has been a pioneer in avionics technology for over 40 years. We are a leading manufacturer of innovative solutions that enhance aviation safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Our portfolio includes Head-Down Displays (HDD), Head-Up Displays (HUD), Head Wearable Displays (HWD), and Combined Vision Systems (CVS), featuring Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) technologies. We deliver both retrofit and forward-fit solutions across a wide range of aircraft types, serving commercial airlines, cargo operators, business aviation, and special missions worldwide.

Summary

Universal Avionics (UA) continues to move the avionics industry forward with both the latest iterations of our flagship products as well as designing the next generation of technology to ensure easier management and safety & reliability of all phases of flight. As a member of the Universal Avionics Operations Leadership Team, you will play a key role in guiding the manufacturing and support of our current and future industry leading products at our facility in Tucson, Arizona.

The Operations Engineering Manager is responsible for providing technical expertise, coaching/mentoring, and support to a talented team of test, industrial, and process engineers responsible for new product introduction, manufacturing, factory improvement, and repair processes for all Universal Avionics products. This includes our historic Flight Management System, Recorders, Communications & Data Link and Flat Panel Displays, as well as the introduction of new optical technologies based around our Enhanced Flight Vision Systems and Head Wearable Displays. Requirements include experience in electronic design, testing and producibility, combined with a passion for developing high performing teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Determine Operations Engineering project schedules, priorities, and personnel assignments
• Serve as a technical liaison with key OEM customers and global UA stakeholders
• Mentor and train Operations Engineers and Technicians
• Partner with other stakeholders to integrate Lean methodology into the business
• Participate on Integrated Product Teams
• Coordinate with Sustaining Engineering on obsolescence management
• Drive assembly and test process strategies to support our Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) system
• Lead root cause and corrective action investigations
• Coordinate frequently with Global Research & Development teams and OEM customers
• Prepare and conduct performance appraisals of Operations Engineers
• Prepare project & capital budget estimates and prepare annual departmental budget input
• Participate in the Operations Leadership Team
• Identify and implement BMS process improvements
• Review and approve timecards and approve vacation requests
• Other duties, as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or alternate bachelor’s degree combined with experience
• 5 years minimum experience in, or in support of, high reliability electro-mechanical design, manufacturing and/or test.
• Successful track record leading technical teams
• Project management experience is desired
• Experience with environmental test, particularly Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) is desired
• Commercial aviation industry experience a plus
• Six Sigma Quality experience is desired

What We Offer:

• Benefits eligibility starts on your first day as a full-time employee at Universal Avionics.
• Medical insurance (multiple plan options, including low-deductible PPO)
• Preventive care covered at 100%
• Affordable copays for doctor visits, urgent care, and prescriptions
• Teladoc virtual care access
• Vision coverage through VSP (includes exams, frames, and lenses)
• Dental insurance (covers preventive, basic, and major services)
• 401(k) with immediate safe harbor match (100% match on up to 4% of pay after 60 days)
• 9/80 work schedule option – every other Friday off
• Vacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidays (including a week in December)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
• Wellness programs:Vitality (earn rewards for healthy habits)
• One Pass Select (discounted access to gyms, fitness apps, and more)
• Travel assistance and employee discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and emotional wellness support: Up to 3 free counseling visits per issue/year through Reliance Matrix
• Up to 6 free counseling sessions per issue/year through Health Advocate
• Includes mental health, financial, legal, work-life, medical navigation, and life coaching support
• And more!

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Universal Avionics offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit, agile culture of a mid-sized company, with the resources and global impact of our parent company, Elbit Systems.
• Our team is driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared passion for aviation safety.
• Here's what makes our work environment thrive:
• A collaborative, supportive team of skilled professionals and mentors
• Groundbreaking projects that shape the future of avionics technology
• A company culture that promotes innovation, career growth, and continuous learning
• Meaningful work that impacts air travel safety around the world
• A strong work-life balance, including a 9/80 schedule option

To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit: www.UniversalAvionics.com

Universal Avionics’ products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As part of our compliance process, we inquire about work authorization and citizenship status to ensure alignment with these regulations.