Aerodynamic Test Capability Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Aerodynamic Test Capability Design Manager

Company: The Boeing Company

Location: Tukwila, WA, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-18T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site (100% onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage engineering teams responsible for the design and fabrication of aerodynamic test capabilities, including wind tunnel models and associated hardware.

• Drive process improvements and implement policies and procedures within the Aerodynamic Test organization to enhance efficiency and technical execution.

• Acquire necessary resources, manage supplier relationships, and provide technical oversight for projects and processes.

• Foster and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, customers, and direct reports to ensure alignment and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Aerodynamic Test Capability Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of engineering leadership and operational management within a specialized R&D and testing environment. The focus on "process plans," "acquires resources," "technical management of suppliers," and "process improvements" firmly places this role within an operations-adjacent management function, requiring strong operational execution alongside technical expertise. The "Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment" further emphasizes the management and operational leadership aspects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage employees engaged in engineering design and technical activities within Test and Evaluation Engineering, focusing on aerodynamic testing.

• Develop and execute comprehensive project and process plans for the design and fabrication of wind tunnel models and related test hardware.

• Implement and refine organizational policies and procedures, setting clear operational goals for the Aerodynamic Test capability.

• Lead process improvement initiatives to optimize testing methodologies, hardware development, and data reporting across the team.

• Acquire and allocate resources effectively for projects and ongoing processes, ensuring timely and budget-conscious execution.

• Provide technical management and oversight for external suppliers involved in the fabrication and supply of test hardware and components.

• Develop and maintain robust relationships and strategic partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, partners, and direct reports.

• Provide technical direction, oversight, and approval for all technical approaches, products, and processes within the team's purview.

• Effectively manage, develop, mentor, and motivate a team of engineering professionals to achieve organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project lifecycle management, resource allocation, supplier relationship management, and process optimization, which are core tenets of operations management within an engineering context. The requirement to "develops and executes project and process plans" and "leads process improvements" are direct operational responsibilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical), Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or equivalent non-U.S. qualifications directly related to the work statement. Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in a leadership role, which can include:

  • Formal Managerial Experience
  • Team Lead roles
  • Temporary Management assignments
  • Large-scale cross-functional project or program management

• Alternatively, completion of the Boeing internal course “Exploring Leadership” can fulfill the leadership experience requirement.

• Preferred: 3+ years of experience specifically leading engineering teams. Required Skills:

• Leadership & People Management: Proven ability to manage, develop, and motivate engineering teams; experience in a formal or informal leadership role.

• Project & Process Management: Skill in developing and executing project and process plans; experience with implementing policies and procedures and setting operational goals.

• Technical Oversight & Design: Ability to provide technical direction and approve technical approaches, products, and processes, particularly in the area of aerodynamic test hardware.

• Resource Management & Supplier Relations: Experience in acquiring resources for projects and managing technical relationships with suppliers.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with customers, stakeholders, peers, and direct reports.

• Export Control Compliance: Understanding and adherence to U.S. export control regulations (must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15).

Preferred Skills:

• Aerodynamics & Experimental Hardware Design: Direct experience with aerodynamic principles and the design of experimental hardware for testing.

• Test and Evaluation (T&E) Experience: Familiarity with T&E methodologies, processes, and environments, particularly in aerospace.

• Executive Communication: Experience developing and presenting complex technical information and project status to executive leadership.

• Written and Verbal Communication: Excellent skills for clear and effective communication with diverse audiences.

• Process Improvement Methodologies: Experience in identifying and implementing enhancements to engineering and operational processes.

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance: Current or recently held security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering knowledge, formal leadership experience, and operational management capabilities. The "U.S. Person" requirement is a critical compliance aspect for roles involving export-controlled technology. Preferred skills highlight direct relevance to the aerospace testing domain and executive-level engagement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Examples demonstrating the management of engineering projects from conception through execution, including scope definition, resource allocation, timeline management, and successful delivery. Focus on projects involving hardware design or complex testing setups.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in engineering workflows, developed solutions, and implemented changes that led to measurable improvements in speed, cost, quality, or accuracy. This could include process maps, before-and-after analyses, or implementation plans.

• Team Development & Management Examples: Evidence of your ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering talent. This could be through performance review summaries, team success stories, or initiatives you led to improve team performance or morale.

• Supplier Management Examples: Documentation or descriptions of how you managed external vendors or suppliers for critical components or services, including selection criteria, performance monitoring, and relationship management.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with documenting engineering processes, from initial design phases through to testing and reporting. This includes:
  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to map current processes, identify bottlenecks, and design optimized workflows for hardware development and testing.
  • Implementation & Automation: Experience in overseeing the implementation of new processes or automated solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort.
  • Measurement & Performance Analysis: Skills in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for engineering and testing processes, and using data to analyze performance, report results, and drive further improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in a highly technical and regulated industry like aerospace, a portfolio demonstrating not just technical execution but also effective process management, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement is crucial. The emphasis should be on quantifiable results and structured approaches to problem-solving and optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $151,300 - $204,700 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible medical expenses.

• Retirement Savings Plans (e.g., 401k) with potential company match.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).

• Paid time away from work (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Unpaid time away from work options.

• Relocation assistance may be available based on candidate eligibility. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely aligned with Shift 1 (day shift) in the United States. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the nature of management roles often allows for some degree of schedule adaptation, though core hours for team collaboration and operational oversight are expected. The role is 100% onsite, requiring consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a management role in aerospace engineering in the Seattle metropolitan area. The benefits package is standard for a large corporation like Boeing, offering robust options for health, retirement, and time off. The "100% onsite" requirement is critical for understanding the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing; Aviation Technology; Engineering and Research Services. Boeing is a global leader in aircraft manufacturing, defense systems, and space exploration, with a long history of innovation and engineering excellence.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Boeing is one of the world's largest aerospace companies, employing hundreds of thousands globally). This implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a complex organizational matrix.

Founded: 1916. Boeing has a deep-rooted history and a culture that often values experience, tradition, and meticulous engineering.

Team Structure:

• Aerodynamic Test Capability: This team likely sits within the broader Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) organization, focusing specifically on aerodynamic testing. The team will comprise engineers, technicians, and potentially project leads specializing in wind tunnel operations, model design, instrumentation, and data analysis.

• Reporting Structure: The "Manager" title indicates a first-line management position, likely reporting to a Director or Senior Manager within BT&E or a related engineering division. Direct reports will be engineers and technical staff.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role will necessitate close collaboration with design engineering teams (who require testing), manufacturing teams (who build models), research and development groups, and potentially program management and procurement departments to ensure test objectives are met and hardware is produced efficiently.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations within Boeing are heavily reliant on rigorous data analysis, simulation, and empirical testing to validate designs and ensure safety and performance.

• Process Rigor & Compliance: Engineering and testing processes are highly formalized, with strict adherence to safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols. Process documentation and validation are paramount.

• Continuous Improvement: While deeply rooted in established methodologies, there's an ongoing drive for innovation and efficiency improvements through new technologies, advanced modeling, and refined testing techniques.

Company Website: https://www.boeing.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's culture is characterized by its engineering-centric approach, commitment to safety and quality, and a hierarchical structure common in large, established aerospace firms. The operations within this context are highly disciplined and data-intensive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a first-line management position, typically considered mid-to-senior level. It requires a solid foundation in engineering principles, coupled with demonstrated leadership and operational execution capabilities. The role is responsible for managing a specific technical capability and its associated team and projects.

Reporting Structure: The manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or senior manager within the Test & Evaluation organization. They will directly manage a team of engineers and technical professionals responsible for aerodynamic test capabilities.

Operations Impact: The manager's team plays a critical role in validating aircraft designs, ensuring aerodynamic performance, and contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of Boeing's products. Effective management of these test capabilities directly impacts program timelines, development costs, and the success of new aircraft programs by providing crucial validation data.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership Advancement: Progression to senior management roles, leading larger teams, multiple capabilities, or entire departments within Test & Evaluation.

• Program Management: Transitioning into program management roles where oversight of complex, cross-functional aerospace development programs is required.

• Specialization Deepening: Becoming a subject matter expert in specific areas of aerodynamic testing, wind tunnel technology, or experimental hardware design, potentially leading advanced research initiatives.

• Operational Excellence Roles: Moving into roles focused purely on optimizing engineering and testing operations across the organization, driving efficiency and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Roles at Boeing offer structured career paths, particularly for engineering and management talent. This position provides a solid platform for individuals looking to grow within the aerospace engineering and operations management domain, with clear pathways for both technical and managerial advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is 100% onsite, indicating a need for physical presence in a Boeing facility. This environment is likely a combination of office space for management and administrative tasks, and potentially direct access or proximity to engineering labs, fabrication shops, and wind tunnel facilities.

Office Location(s): Tukwila, WA, United States. This location is a significant hub for Boeing's commercial airplane division and related engineering and manufacturing activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages collaboration among engineers, technicians, and management. Team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions will be common.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software (CAD, CFD, simulation tools), specialized testing equipment, and internal Boeing IT systems will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports through team meetings, one-on-ones, and project oversight. Collaboration with other engineering disciplines and departments will also be a key aspect.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, aligned with Shift 1 (day shift). While specific hours might offer some flexibility, the onsite requirement and management duties necessitate consistent availability during core business hours to oversee operations, manage teams, and attend meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Tukwila location is a major Boeing site, suggesting a well-established infrastructure and a concentrated engineering community. The onsite requirement is typical for hands-on management roles in manufacturing and R&D environments where direct oversight and team interaction are critical.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of application and resume. Emphasis on matching required and preferred qualifications, particularly leadership experience and technical background.

• Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment: A mandatory assessment designed to evaluate leadership competencies, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Boeing's leadership principles.

Preparation for this specific assessment is crucial.

• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Series of interviews (likely with hiring manager, peers, and potentially senior leadership) focusing on:

  • Technical Expertise: Questions about aerodynamic testing, hardware design, and T&E principles.
  • Leadership & Management: Situational and behavioral questions assessing your approach to team management, conflict resolution, performance management, and decision-making.
  • Operational Acumen: Questions probing your experience with process improvement, resource planning, supplier management, and project execution.

• Portfolio Review (Optional but Recommended): Candidates may be asked to present examples from their portfolio, particularly to demonstrate leadership impact, process improvements, or successful project management.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative, clearly state the problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., "Reduced model fabrication time by 15%," "Improved data accuracy by 10%," "Successfully managed a $X million project budget").

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail specific examples of how you analyzed processes, implemented changes, and the resulting operational benefits (efficiency, cost savings, quality enhancement).

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Provide examples of how you developed your team, resolved conflicts, motivated individuals, or improved team performance and collaboration.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize experiences most relevant to managing aerodynamic test capabilities, including hardware design, wind tunnel testing, and T&E operations.

• Prepare for Presentation: If asked to present, structure your narrative clearly, focusing on key achievements and lessons learned. Be ready to discuss your decision-making process and leadership philosophy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions involving hypothetical team challenges, performance issues, or resource conflicts. Think about how you would apply Boeing's leadership principles and operational best practices.

• Process Optimization: Be ready to discuss how you would approach optimizing a specific engineering or testing process, identify potential bottlenecks, and propose solutions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts and project status clearly and concisely, as if presenting to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the "Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment" is a critical piece of information that requires candidates to prepare specifically for this proprietary evaluation. Portfolio preparation should focus on demonstrating tangible results and effective management of both technical processes and people.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for design and modeling of wind tunnel hardware.

• Engineering Simulation & Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and other simulation software relevant to aerodynamics and structural integrity.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or Boeing's internal project management systems for planning, tracking, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Boeing's internal communication and collaboration suites.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Skills in using tools such as Excel (advanced functions, VBA), Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy), or R for data manipulation, analysis, and statistical reporting.

• Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports to communicate test results and operational performance to stakeholders.

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with statistical packages for experimental design and data analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how customer (internal engineering teams) requirements are managed and translated into test specifications is key.

• Workflow Automation: Experience or understanding of how to automate repetitive tasks in design, testing, or reporting processes to improve efficiency. This could involve scripting or using specialized automation tools.

• PLM Systems (Product Lifecycle Management): Familiarity with systems used to manage product data and processes throughout the lifecycle, which is common in large manufacturing organizations like Boeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for an Aerodynamic Test Capability Design Manager at Boeing would be sophisticated, encompassing advanced design and analysis tools, robust project management systems, and strong data analytics capabilities, all integrated within a large enterprise IT framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: Paramount importance placed on the safety of personnel, processes, and products. Every operational decision must consider safety implications.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all business dealings and internal operations.

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality results, meeting stringent technical requirements, and striving for continuous improvement in all operational aspects.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse teams work together effectively, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and actively seeking ways to optimize processes and enhance capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Operations professionals are expected to work seamlessly with design engineering, manufacturing, program management, and other support functions. Open communication and proactive problem-solving are key.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback on processes and workflows, encouraging team members to identify areas for improvement and contribute to solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on documenting and sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams and departments to build organizational knowledge and prevent repeated mistakes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boeing's culture, particularly in its engineering and operations functions, is strongly influenced by its legacy in aerospace, emphasizing precision, safety, and rigorous adherence to process. The values reflect this deep commitment to quality and ethical conduct.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Technical Projects: Overseeing the design and fabrication of intricate wind tunnel models and test setups, which require meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict specifications.

• Balancing Resources & Deadlines: Effectively allocating limited resources (personnel, budget, equipment) to meet demanding project timelines set by critical aircraft development programs.

• Navigating a Large Corporate Structure: Working within a large, matrixed organization requires strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to ensure alignment and achieve objectives.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously adapting to evolving aerodynamic testing technologies, simulation methods, and data acquisition techniques to maintain state-of-the-art capabilities.

• Ensuring Export Control Compliance: Diligently managing team activities and information flow to comply with strict U.S. export control regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Aerodynamics & Testing Techniques: Access to internal training, workshops, and potentially external conferences to deepen expertise in cutting-edge aerodynamic testing methodologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Boeing's extensive leadership training programs to enhance skills in people management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Boeing's engineering and operations divisions, and to mentor junior team members.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to work on diverse projects that offer exposure to different engineering disciplines, program phases, and operational areas within Boeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but are balanced by robust opportunities for professional growth within a leading aerospace company. Candidates should be prepared to tackle complex technical and operational hurdles while leveraging Boeing's resources for development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to implement a significant process change within an engineering team. What was the challenge, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your ability to analyze existing processes, gain buy-in from your team and stakeholders, manage resistance, and measure the impact of the change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify results.

• "How do you balance the demands of managing a team with the technical oversight required for complex engineering projects?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your delegation strategies, prioritization techniques, and how you empower your team while ensuring technical rigor and project deadlines are met. Highlight your understanding of both people management and technical leadership.

• "Imagine a key wind tunnel model fabrication project is falling behind schedule due to supplier issues. How would you address this situation?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate your problem-solving skills, proactive communication, risk assessment abilities, and experience in managing supplier relationships and potential contingency planning.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Boeing's commitment to safety and quality in its engineering and testing processes?"

  • Preparation: Research Boeing's core values, EEO statements, and any public information on their safety culture. Be prepared to articulate how your leadership style and operational approach would align with these principles.

• "How would you foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture within the Aerodynamic Test group?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your philosophy on team building, communication, performance feedback, and creating an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and accountability.

• "How do you measure the success of your engineering team and its contributions to broader company objectives?"

  • Preparation: Think about key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to engineering operations, such as on-time delivery, budget adherence, test data quality, project completion rates, and team development metrics.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin by highlighting your most significant achievements and the overall value you've delivered.

• Structure Your Stories: For each example, clearly define the context, the specific problem or goal, your role and actions, and the quantifiable results.

• Emphasize Process & Leadership: Clearly articulate the operational processes you managed or improved, and the leadership actions you took to drive success.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your projects, methodologies, and decision-making processes.

• Connect to Boeing: Where possible, subtly link your experiences and skills to Boeing's known values and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for the "Boeing First-Line Leader Assessment" is paramount. Beyond that, focus on demonstrating a blend of technical understanding, strong operational management skills, and effective leadership, all grounded in Boeing's core values of safety, integrity, and excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Aerodynamic Test Capability Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the Boeing Careers website using the provided link. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and clearly highlights your leadership experience and relevant technical skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "engineering design," "technical management," "project planning," "process improvement," "supplier management," and "leadership." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for the Leader Assessment: Familiarize yourself with Boeing's leadership competencies and practice answering assessment-style questions. This is a critical, mandatory step.

• Research Boeing's Operations: Understand Boeing's approach to engineering, testing, and operational excellence. Review their company values, recent news, and information on their Test & Evaluation capabilities.

• Craft Your Portfolio (If Applicable): If you have a portfolio, prepare to showcase 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership, process optimization, and technical management skills. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on quantifiable outcomes.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, and rehearse answers to technical and leadership queries, particularly those related to managing engineering teams and processes.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.