At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic Mechanical Engineering team on innovative defence projects.
- Company: Join Safran Defense & Space, a leader in aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and working in a diverse, multinational environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team supporting national defence and space exploration.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in mechanical design and a relevant engineering degree required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT OUR MISSION: Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel. We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.
If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE: The Mechanical Engineering Manager is responsible for providing oversight and technical guidance to the Mechanical Engineering team at multiple locations. It is expected that the manager will be roughly 80% applied to direct program tasking.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, manage and direct the overall activities of the Mechanical Engineering Team
- Work with the Chief Technology Officer and Program Management team to plan resource needs and manage staffing to accommodate those needs
- Monitor team activities to ensure compliance with development processes and quality standards
- Provide mentoring and career counseling to engineering staff as appropriate
- Support, communicate and reinforce the mission, values and culture of the organization
- Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary and recognition/disciplinary actions
- As part of the Product Qualification and Test team, provide technical expertise in design and development of mechanical systems, including precision mechanism design methods for high profile multi-spectral, multi-sensor based military systems
- Develop and support Engineering and Configuration Control processes specific to mechanical design and tolerances, and pre-planned product improvement initiatives
- Support of engineering documentation including detail drawings, assembly drawings and BOMS
- Support engineering documents such as System Engineering Master Plan (SEMP), System Engineering Test Plan (SETP), Life Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP) and Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- 7 - 10 years of experience with mechanical design
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably BSME or above) with a mechanical concentration
- Proficient with SolidWorks or equivalent Computer Aided Design tool
- Mechanical CAD required – SolidWorks Preferred
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite of programs, including MS Word, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel required
- Strong working knowledge of optical system design, assembly, test, spectral requirements, and precision mechanism design methods
- Capability to manage multiple and changing priorities
- Practical hands on experience with mechanical assembly desired
- Solid verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organization, presentation and customer relationship skills
- Demonstrated leadership skills while having the ability to be a team player
- Experience in conducting Government qualification testing per Mil Std 810G or equivalent
- Ability to multitask
- US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance is required.
IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:
- MS in Mechanical Engineering
- Finite Element Analysis experience
- Familiarity with Mil STD testing
- Solid understanding of machining practices
- Experience in designing products for harsh military and commercial environments preferred
- Familiarity with working in an ITAR environment
- Experience working in a diverse multinational engineering organization a plus
TRAVEL: Occasional travel outside the local area
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).
Mechanical Engineering Manager in Bedford employer: Safran DSI
At Safran Defense & Space, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-energy work environment where individual and team achievements are celebrated. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentoring opportunities and engagement in community initiatives, particularly in support of our troops and STEM education. Located in Arlington, VA, we offer a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace technology while making a meaningful impact on national defense and space missions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Manager in Bedford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran DSI for a Mechanical Engineering Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran DSI, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran DSI, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran DSI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran DSI.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran DSI. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran DSI love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
