Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Stellant Systems

Location: Melville, NY

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and direct the activities of design and drafting personnel to ensure project objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

• Drive the establishment and maintenance of robust design standards, specifications, and engineering change control processes.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration between engineering teams, customers, and suppliers to achieve optimal product design and fabrication outcomes.

• Implement and manage advanced CAD tools and technologies to enhance design efficiency and product quality.

• Provide critical technical guidance and cost-reduction recommendations throughout the design and fabrication lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within an engineering and manufacturing context, requiring a strong understanding of product development lifecycles and operational efficiency. The "Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like cost reduction, supplier liaison, and ERP system proficiency, indicates a strong operational component, potentially bridging design with broader GTM or manufacturing operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of design and drafting staff, providing clear direction and fostering professional development.

• Lead the review of customer requirements in conjunction with engineering teams to assess project feasibility, performance, cost, and timelines.

• Establish and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including standards, specifications, revisions, and configuration-controlled component identification.

• Coordinate with engineers to define and implement the foundational design approach for diverse projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Act as a key liaison with external customers and suppliers, facilitating design and drafting functions and resolving technical queries.

• Contribute to proposal preparation by providing accurate estimates for design and drafting material costs, manpower hours, and project schedules.

• Drive cost reduction initiatives related to design and fabrication processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency gains and value engineering.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of design and drafting records, ensuring orderly operation of document control systems.

• Ensure the effective and efficient utilization and implementation of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and related software.

• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment through professional conduct and effective communication with all stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "cost reductions as related to design and fabrication," "proposal preparation," and "document control" strongly suggests a role that bridges product design with operational efficiency and Go-To-Market (GTM) considerations, particularly in proposal and project scoping phases.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience post-Bachelor's degree, or 7 years of relevant experience post-Master's degree.

Required Skills:

• Mechanical Engineering Principles: Deep understanding of mechanical design concepts, principles, and applications.

• Design and Drafting Supervision: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage design and drafting teams.

• Technical Specification Writing: Expertise in creating clear, concise, and comprehensive technical specifications and documentation.

• Costpoint & ERP Systems: Proficiency in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, specifically Costpoint, for project management, cost tracking, and resource allocation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for reporting, analysis, and communication.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Effective use and implementation of CAD tools for design and drafting.

• Configuration Control: Experience establishing and maintaining configuration-controlled component identification processes.

• Project Coordination: Ability to coordinate design efforts with engineering and other departments.

• Mentoring and Leadership: Proven ability to guide, develop, and manage technical personnel.

Preferred Skills:

• Value Engineering: Experience in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures in design and manufacturing.

• Proposal Development: Familiarity with contributing to technical and cost proposals.

• Supplier and Customer Liaison: Experience in managing external stakeholder relationships related to design.

• Document Control Systems: Knowledge of best practices and implementation of document management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Costpoint and ERP systems proficiency, combined with responsibilities in proposal preparation and cost reduction, indicates that candidates with a strong understanding of how design impacts broader operational and financial metrics will be highly valued. This goes beyond pure design to encompass operational efficiency and GTM support.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of established design processes, including concept development, detailed design, and review stages, highlighting efficiency improvements.

• Technical Specification Samples: Present well-written technical specifications and engineering documentation that demonstrate clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standards.

• CAD Project Examples: Include visual representations or case studies of complex CAD projects managed, emphasizing problem-solving and innovative design solutions.

• Cost Reduction Initiatives: Provide evidence of projects where design decisions led to quantifiable cost savings in fabrication or materials, with clear metrics.

• Configuration Management Examples: Illustrate experience with implementing and maintaining configuration control for engineering components and documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate ability to map, analyze, and optimize design and drafting workflows for improved efficiency and reduced cycle times.

• System Implementation: Provide examples of successful implementation or significant contribution to the implementation of CAD tools or document control systems.

• Performance Measurement: Show experience in defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for design and drafting teams, such as on-time delivery, design accuracy, and cost adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with operational undertones, a portfolio should emphasize not just design output but also the process behind it. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they managed workflows, implemented systems (like CAD and ERP), and measured team performance to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 per year (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is 100% on-site, there may be occasional flexibility required to meet project deadlines or address urgent customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the Melville, NY area. Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 7-9+ years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, this range is competitive. A candidate with strong ERP and management experience could command the higher end of this scale.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense / Engineering Services. Stellant Systems operates within a highly regulated and technical sector, emphasizing precision, reliability, and innovation. This environment often fosters a culture of rigorous engineering standards, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong focus on quality and compliance.

Company Size: Stellant Systems is part of a larger entity, suggesting a robust organizational structure with access to resources and established processes, while potentially maintaining agility within its specific divisions. The size implies opportunities for significant impact and career advancement within a structured framework.

Founded: [Company Founded information not provided, inferring established presence]. An established company like Stellant Systems likely has a legacy of engineering excellence and a defined corporate culture that values experience, technical expertise, and long-term commitment.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will lead a team of Design and Drafting Engineers, likely comprising individuals with varying levels of experience.

• This role reports into a higher level of engineering management, possibly a Director of Engineering or VP of Engineering.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from customer requirements, performance metrics, and cost analysis to inform design decisions.

• Process Standardization: Implementation and adherence to established engineering processes, including design reviews, configuration management, and documentation control.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages identifying and implementing efficiencies in design, drafting, and fabrication processes, often driven by cost-reduction initiatives.

Company Website: https://stellantsystems.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the industry (Aerospace & Defense) and the explicit mention of ITAR compliance, the company culture likely prioritizes security, meticulousness, and adherence to stringent quality and regulatory standards. This also implies a need for strong operational discipline within the design function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering and operations framework. It requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and an understanding of how design integrates with broader business objectives like cost control, proposal support, and project delivery. The scope includes direct team management and significant influence on product development lifecycles.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior engineering leader (e.g., Director of Engineering). They will manage a direct team of designers and drafters. This position acts as a critical bridge between the technical execution of design and strategic operational goals.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a substantial impact on operational efficiency and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. By optimizing designs for manufacturability and cost, they directly influence production costs and timelines. Their input on proposals can be critical for securing new business. Effective management of design processes ensures that products meet customer requirements and regulatory standards, thereby supporting the company's reputation and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Engineering Management: Progression to roles such as Director of Engineering, overseeing larger engineering departments or specialized technical areas.

• Program Management: Transition into managing entire engineering programs or projects, leveraging design and operational knowledge.

• Operations Leadership: Potential to move into broader operations management roles, applying design and process optimization skills to manufacturing or supply chain functions.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in a specific engineering domain, becoming a principal engineer or technical fellow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of management duties, technical oversight, and operational responsibilities (cost, proposals, ERP) positions this role as a strong stepping stone for individuals aiming for senior leadership in either engineering or operations. The emphasis on process and efficiency suggests a clear path toward optimizing broader business functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 100% On-site. This role requires a physical presence at the Melville, NY facility.

Office Location(s): 105 Baylis Road, Melville, NY 11747. This location is in Suffolk County, Long Island, offering access to a skilled technical workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster interaction among engineering teams, design staff, and potentially other departments like manufacturing or project management.

• Technical Resources: Access to advanced CAD workstations, relevant software licenses, and potentially prototyping or testing facilities.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with direct reports, peers in other engineering disciplines, and senior management. This on-site requirement facilitates real-time problem-solving and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project demands. This means occasional extended hours or weekend work might be necessary during critical project phases, proposal deadlines, or when addressing urgent design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 100% on-site requirement is crucial. It signifies a need for hands-on leadership, direct oversight of design and drafting activities, and immediate engagement with engineering challenges. This environment is conducive to rapid problem-solving and fostering a strong team dynamic, which is essential for complex engineering projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter screens applications for basic qualifications, including degree, years of experience, and specific skill requirements (e.g., management experience, Costpoint).

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior engineering leader) focusing on technical expertise, leadership style, problem-solving approaches, and management philosophy. Expect questions about past team performance and challenges.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key engineers, designers, or potential direct reports to assess technical depth, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present selected projects from their portfolio, demonstrating design process, technical solutions, cost-saving initiatives, and team management strategies. This is a critical stage for showcasing impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Engineering) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best represent your design leadership, process optimization, and team management capabilities.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, detail the design approach, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and most importantly, the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, performance improvements).

• Highlight Management: Showcase your role in leading the team, mentoring individuals, and managing workloads. Use specific examples of how you fostered collaboration and improved team performance.

• Technical Specifications & Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to creating and managing technical documentation, including standards, revisions, and configuration control.

• ERP/Costpoint Integration: If possible, illustrate how design decisions were influenced by or impacted ERP data, or how you used ERP for project planning and cost management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design challenges, manage underperforming team members, or resolve conflicts between design requirements and manufacturing constraints.

• Process Improvement Case Study: Be ready to walk through a hypothetical or past scenario where you identified a process inefficiency and implemented a solution, detailing the steps and results.

• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your management style, your approach to mentoring, and how you build and motivate high-performing engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely probe beyond pure design skills to assess operational understanding and management effectiveness. A portfolio that demonstrates a systematic approach to design, process improvement, and team leadership will be highly advantageous. Be prepared to discuss how design impacts cost, schedule, and overall business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency and experience in managing the use of industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, Siemens NX) for 2D and 3D design, drafting, and modeling.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / Document Control Systems: Experience with systems for managing engineering data, revisions, and workflows. This is crucial for configuration control.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Specific expertise in Costpoint is required, along with general knowledge of how ERP systems integrate design data with manufacturing, procurement, and finance.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel (for data analysis, cost tracking, reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Analysis Tools: Familiarity with simulation and analysis software (e.g., Finite Element Analysis - FEA, Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD) used to validate designs.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design progress, team performance, and cost metrics, likely leveraging ERP data and Excel.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Integration: Understanding how design data flows into and out of ERP systems. While not directly customer-facing CRM, understanding the business context is key.

• Workflow Automation: Experience in streamlining design and drafting processes through automation where applicable, potentially involving CAD macros or scripting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Costpoint and ERP systems, alongside CAD tools and technical writing, signifies a role that is deeply integrated with the company's operational backbone. Candidates should highlight their experience in leveraging these tools not just for design, but for process efficiency, cost management, and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Quality: A fundamental value in aerospace and defense, emphasizing meticulous design, adherence to specifications, and a commitment to defect-free products.

• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: Driving value through optimized designs, streamlined processes, and responsible resource management, directly impacting project profitability and competitiveness.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering strong working relationships across departments (engineering, manufacturing, procurement) to ensure seamless project execution and problem resolution.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative solutions to design challenges while consistently seeking ways to enhance processes, reduce costs, and improve product performance.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and adhering strictly to industry regulations (e.g., ITAR), ensuring all designs and processes meet legal and contractual requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with manufacturing to ensure designs are producible, with procurement to manage component sourcing, and with project management to meet timelines and budgets.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture where issues are identified early and addressed collaboratively, minimizing downstream impacts on cost and schedule.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights are shared among team members and across departments to elevate overall engineering capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and stated requirements (like ITAR compliance) suggest a culture that values rigor, accountability, and a methodical approach. For operations professionals, this means a focus on process adherence, data integrity, and clear communication to ensure all design outputs align with broader operational and compliance objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Requirements with Cost and Schedule: The perpetual challenge of meeting complex technical specifications while adhering to strict budget constraints and aggressive project timelines. Mitigation involves strong process management, early supplier involvement, and value engineering.

• Managing Diverse Technical Teams: Leading a team with varying skill sets, experience levels, and personalities requires strong interpersonal and motivational skills. Effective delegation and performance management are key.

• Integrating Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively implementing new CAD tools, simulation technologies, and design methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.

• Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and adhering to stringent industry regulations (e.g., ITAR) in all design and documentation processes. This demands meticulous attention to detail and robust compliance protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific engineering disciplines or advanced CAD/simulation software.

• Leadership and Management Development Programs: Training focused on enhancing management, communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences and Workshops: Participation in events related to aerospace, defense, engineering design, and operations management to stay current with trends and network.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain insights into manufacturing, supply chain, and business development functions, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex engineering and operational challenges. Candidates who thrive in environments that demand both technical excellence and efficient process management will find ample opportunities for professional development and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design requirements (e.g., performance vs. cost vs. manufacturability). How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and ability to manage trade-offs).

• "How do you ensure your design team adheres to project schedules and budget constraints? What tools or methodologies do you use?" (Prepare to discuss project planning, resource allocation, and cost control within design).

• "Walk me through your process for developing and enforcing technical specifications and engineering change orders." (Demonstrate understanding of documentation control, configuration management, and process rigor).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Stellant Systems and our role in the aerospace and defense industry?" (Research the company's products, recent news, and market position. Understand the implications of ITAR).

• "How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you motivate a team of engineers and drafters?" (Be ready to articulate your management philosophy and provide examples).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role/approach, the solutions implemented (especially design choices and process improvements), and the measurable results (cost, schedule, performance).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the value of your work. This is crucial for showcasing operational impact.

• Highlight Management: Emphasize your leadership in guiding the team, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and justify your engineering decisions.

• System Integration: If applicable, explain how your design processes integrated with ERP systems like Costpoint or document control systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can not only design but also manage the design process efficiently, control costs, and lead a team effectively within a regulated industry. A strong understanding of how design impacts broader operational outcomes is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stellant Systems careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your management experience, specific achievements in cost reduction, experience with Costpoint/ERP systems, technical specification writing, and proficiency with CAD tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership, process optimization, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present these with a focus on impact and efficiency.

• Research Stellant Systems: Understand their products, industry position, and any recent news. Familiarize yourself with the implications of working in the aerospace and defense sector, particularly regarding ITAR regulations.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and ability to manage technical teams and operational constraints.

⚠️ 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.

---