DESIGN MANAGER - JOB #1146

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN MANAGER - JOB #1146

Company: Enstrom Helicopter Corporation

Location: Menominee, Michigan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Design Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-Site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the Design Engineering group, ensuring the quality, coordination, and timely completion of aircraft component and system designs.

• Provide oversight and mentoring for the design and substantiation of aircraft components, subsystems, and systems, adhering to FAA regulations and company objectives.

• Drive resolution of technical issues by collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, and field-support teams.

• Balance multiple technical and organizational priorities through strong rotorcraft engineering judgment and effective resource management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Design Manager," the core responsibilities and qualifications heavily lean towards a specialized engineering leadership role within the aerospace/rotorcraft sector, focusing on the technical execution and team management of design and substantiation activities, rather than a broad design strategy role. The emphasis on FAA regulations and aircraft components places this firmly within a highly regulated engineering discipline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Engineering group by establishing priorities, assigning personnel, and allocating resources to meet organizational objectives.

• Oversee the comprehensive design, substantiation, and certification processes for helicopter components, systems, and subsystems.

• Ensure all design projects align with applicable FAA regulations and company standards for performance, reliability, safety, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Review and approve engineering drawings, analyses, and technical documentation within designated authority levels, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Investigate and resolve engineering issues identified by Production, vendors, or field operators, guiding the development of technically sound and practical solutions.

• Evaluate the short-term and long-term impacts of proposed engineering solutions on production, certification, continued airworthiness, and field support operations.

• Manage the incorporation of approved design changes into all relevant engineering documentation and systems.

• Coordinate closely with vendors to resolve technical challenges related to purchased components and materials, ensuring supply chain integrity.

• Provide essential engineering support for Material Review Board (MRB) activities, nonconformance dispositions, structural repairs, and immediate production needs.

• Perform or direct advanced structural and stress analyses crucial for product design, changes, production issues, repairs, and field concerns, ensuring structural integrity.

• Actively participate in and support the Engineering Change Board (ECB) and other cross-functional technical review forums as assigned.

• Provide ongoing technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to designers and engineers within the Design Engineering team, fostering skill development.

• Develop and implement training plans tailored to individual employee development needs, team staffing levels, and future project requirements.

• Oversee the recruitment, selection, performance management, and professional development of Design Engineering personnel.

• Forecast staffing and resource requirements based on current project workloads and projected future demands, ensuring adequate capacity.

• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects, effectively adjusting priorities to meet evolving engineering, production, certification, and field-support demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover a broad spectrum of engineering management within the aerospace context. It's crucial for candidates to highlight experience in managing technical teams, ensuring regulatory compliance (FAA), and directly contributing to or overseeing critical design and analysis tasks for aircraft components.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related engineering field is required.

Experience: A minimum of 12 years of progressive and relevant aerospace engineering experience is mandatory. Demonstrated experience in aircraft component or system design, structural analysis, engineering substantiation, and certification support is essential. Prior experience supporting Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions, structural repairs, and production engineering is also required.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of aircraft structures and systems, particularly within rotorcraft dynamics, aerodynamics, and powerplant integration.

• Advanced structural and stress-analysis capabilities, with a strong understanding of aerospace materials and failure modes.

• Deep understanding of FAA regulations, aviation certification processes, and the creation of engineering compliance documentation.

• Familiarity with sheet-metal fabrication, welding, machining, composite or fiberglass manufacturing, and aircraft assembly processes.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project).

• Advanced computer-aided design (CAD) experience, with practical application in aerospace design environments.

• Strong engineering judgment and robust problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess technical risk and devise practical, effective solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex engineering concepts.

• Proven management, organizational, strategic planning, and delegation skills.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across various experience levels.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across diverse functional teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Flight Operations, vendors, and field support. Preferred Skills:

• Rotorcraft engineering experience is strongly preferred.

• SolidWorks proficiency is preferred for CAD applications.

• Current MRB signature authority is preferred.

• FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) credentials are preferred but not required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, indicating a need for seasoned engineering leaders. Candidates should emphasize their direct involvement in the full lifecycle of aircraft component design and certification, especially within the rotorcraft domain. Highlighting leadership and team development is critical for this managerial role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant aircraft component or system design projects, detailing the design challenges, engineering solutions implemented, and the final outcome.

• Structural Analysis Reports: Include examples of structural and stress analyses performed, demonstrating methodologies used, key findings, and how they informed design decisions or ensured airworthiness.

• Certification Documentation Examples: Provide anonymized examples or descriptions of documentation created to support FAA certification, highlighting adherence to regulatory requirements and substantiation processes.

• Problem-Solving Initiatives: Detail instances where engineering issues were identified in production, from vendors, or in the field, and present the structured approach taken to diagnose, resolve, and implement corrective actions, emphasizing impact on reliability and manufacturability.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Illustrate contributions to improving design, manufacturing, or certification processes, focusing on efficiency gains, cost reductions, or enhanced quality, with quantifiable results where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering workflows for component development, from conceptualization through to production release, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase understanding of how designs are implemented into manufacturing processes and any contributions to automation or standardization efforts within the design or production phases.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how design and engineering performance is measured, including metrics related to project timelines, budget adherence, design quality, and post-production feedback, and how this data is used for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to manage complex engineering projects from conception to certification, with a clear focus on structural integrity, regulatory compliance (FAA), and cross-functional collaboration. Case studies demonstrating leadership in resolving technical issues and improving engineering processes are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $155,000 annually. This range is dependent on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical, dental, and vision needs for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions to support long-term financial planning.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial security and peace of mind.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Including training, certifications, and potential support for attending industry conferences.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offering confidential counseling and support services.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, salary, exempt position. Standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, with flexibility required to meet project deadlines and operational demands. On-site presence is mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role with significant experience requirements in the aerospace industry. Benefits are standard for a full-time position, with a strong emphasis on professional development, which is crucial for retaining specialized engineering talent. The "exempt" status clarifies that overtime pay is not applicable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing, specifically focused on rotorcraft (helicopters). Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is a long-standing manufacturer known for its reliable and high-performance helicopters. The company operates in a highly regulated environment with stringent quality and safety standards.

Company Size: Based on typical aerospace manufacturing operations and the scope of this role, Enstrom likely operates as a mid-sized to large enterprise within its niche, employing a significant number of engineers, manufacturing staff, and support personnel. This size allows for specialized teams while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Founded: Enstrom Helicopter Corporation was founded in 1959. This long history signifies deep-rooted expertise, established processes, and a commitment to innovation and quality within the aviation sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Engineering group is led by this Design Manager and reports to the Director of Engineering. This structure indicates a clear hierarchy within the engineering department.

• The Design Manager is responsible for a team of designers and engineers who focus on aircraft components, subsystems, and systems.

• This role requires extensive collaboration with other key departments including Certification, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Production, and Field Support, highlighting a matrixed operational environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using engineering analysis, simulation, and testing to inform design decisions and ensure airworthiness.

• Process-Centric Operations: Adherence to rigorous design, manufacturing, and certification processes dictated by FAA regulations and industry best practices.

• Continuous Improvement: A focus on learning from production issues, vendor feedback, and field operations to refine designs and improve product lifecycle management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A methodology that necessitates strong communication and teamwork between engineering disciplines and operational departments.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Enstrom's long history and specialization in rotorcraft manufacturing suggest a culture that values deep technical expertise, rigorous adherence to safety and quality standards, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. The Design Manager will be a key figure in upholding these values while driving innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the engineering discipline, specifically focused on Design Engineering management. It's a critical juncture for experienced aerospace engineers looking to transition into or solidify their leadership careers, managing both technical output and a team of specialists. The scope includes direct impact on product development, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Director of Engineering. This upward reporting line signifies that strategic engineering decisions and team performance are closely monitored at a high level. The manager will also be responsible for managing and developing a team of designers and engineers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence extends across the entire product lifecycle. Their decisions directly impact aircraft safety, performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. Effective leadership in this role contributes significantly to Enstrom's ability to meet production targets, maintain airworthiness, and support its customer base, thereby directly influencing the company's operational success and market standing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Director of Engineering: A natural progression path for a successful Design Manager is to move into the Director of Engineering role, taking on broader strategic responsibilities for the entire engineering department.

• Specialized Technical Leadership: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of rotorcraft design or certification, potentially leading advanced R&D initiatives or becoming a key technical advisor.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Roles: Potential to move into higher-level management positions in areas like Program Management, Operations Management, or Quality Assurance, leveraging their deep understanding of the product lifecycle and engineering processes.

• Mentorship and Training Development: Opportunity to shape the future of Enstrom's engineering talent by developing robust training programs and mentoring junior engineers, contributing to organizational knowledge retention and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a specialized aerospace manufacturing company. The emphasis on leadership, technical depth, and cross-functional collaboration positions the candidate for significant growth, both within Enstrom and potentially in broader aerospace engineering management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is primarily based in an office environment within Enstrom's facilities in Menominee, Michigan. This setting is designed for engineering design, analysis, and management tasks, requiring regular interaction with computer systems and technical documentation.

Office Location(s): Menominee, Michigan. This location is where the company's engineering, manufacturing, and likely flight operations are consolidated, facilitating seamless collaboration and on-site oversight.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Engineering Hub: The workspace is expected to foster a collaborative atmosphere among the Design Engineering team, encouraging knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving.

• Access to Technical Resources: Employees will have access to necessary engineering software (CAD, analysis tools), hardware, and documentation required for their roles.

• Integration with Manufacturing: Regular opportunities to interface with manufacturing floors, hangars, and assembly areas will be available, allowing for direct observation of design implementation and production challenges.

• Professional and Focused Atmosphere: The environment is likely to be professional, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and meeting demanding project timelines inherent to the aerospace industry.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position. Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of engineering management in a dynamic manufacturing environment may require flexibility to attend meetings, resolve urgent issues, or meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for this type of hands-on engineering management role, particularly in manufacturing where direct oversight of design implementation and collaboration with production teams is crucial. The location in Menominee, Michigan, suggests a potentially more focused and community-oriented work environment compared to major metropolitan areas.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the minimum qualifications, especially years of experience, educational background, and core engineering skills.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your experience with aircraft design, structural analysis, FAA regulations, and rotorcraft engineering. Expect to be asked about specific projects, technical challenges you've overcome, and your approach to engineering problem-solving.

• Management & Leadership Interview: This stage will assess your ability to lead a team, manage resources, mentor engineers, and collaborate effectively across departments. Behavioral questions will be common, focusing on past situations you've managed.

• Portfolio Review Session: You will likely present key examples from your portfolio, detailing your role in specific design projects, analyses, or problem-resolution efforts. The focus will be on your technical contributions, leadership, and the impact of your work.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, or HR) to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and finalize any compensation details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your leadership in design, your technical depth in structural analysis, and your experience with FAA certification.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your proposed solution, your specific role and contributions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved performance, cost savings, successful certification, resolution of production issues).

• Highlight Leadership: For team-based projects, clearly define your leadership responsibilities, how you guided your team, and how you fostered collaboration and skill development.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio presentation logically. A common structure is: Problem -> Solution -> Your Role -> Results -> Key Learnings. Use visuals (diagrams, charts) where appropriate but ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about the engineering principles, analyses, and design choices presented in your portfolio.

• Demonstrate Regulatory Awareness: For FAA certification examples, explicitly mention the relevant regulations and how your work ensured compliance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a problem faced by Enstrom and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including initial design considerations, analysis methods, and potential risks.

• Process Improvement Exercise: You could be asked to analyze a given engineering process (e.g., design review, change management) and propose improvements for efficiency, quality, or compliance.

• Leadership Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a specific team or inter-departmental conflict or challenge, demonstrating your conflict resolution and team management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical engineering acumen and managerial capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates leadership, technical expertise in aerospace design and analysis, and a strong understanding of FAA compliance will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software: Advanced proficiency is required. SolidWorks is specifically mentioned as preferred. Candidates should highlight experience with other industry-standard CAD platforms if applicable.

• Structural Analysis Software (FEA/CFD): Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools is essential for performing or directing structural and stress analyses. Examples might include ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or similar.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project or similar platforms for planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking project progress.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, data analysis, reporting, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly listed, the ability to analyze engineering data from simulations, tests, and production feedback is crucial. This may involve Excel, specialized engineering analysis software, or potentially BI tools for broader operational metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating clear and concise technical reports, design documentation, and compliance summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Familiarity with PLM systems for managing design data, revisions, and engineering change orders is highly beneficial, though not explicitly required.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Understanding how design integrates with ERP systems for manufacturing and supply chain planning is an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong CAD skills, particularly with SolidWorks, and a deep understanding of structural analysis tools are non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these technologies and how they leverage them to ensure design integrity and compliance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Quality First: A paramount value in aerospace, ensuring all designs and processes prioritize the safety of flight and the highest quality standards.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and strict adherence to FAA regulations and company policies in all engineering activities.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Fostering a culture that encourages new ideas, learning from mistakes, and consistently seeking ways to enhance designs, processes, and products.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing the importance of working effectively across different departments and with external partners to achieve common goals.

• Accountability & Ownership: Promoting a sense of responsibility for one's work, from design conception through to field support, and taking ownership of outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative style, working closely with Manufacturing to ensure designs are producible, with Quality to ensure compliance, with Supply Chain for component sourcing, and with Field Support for addressing operational issues.

• Open Communication & Feedback: Encouraging an environment where ideas can be shared openly, and constructive feedback is given and received to drive better engineering outcomes.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges, leveraging the diverse expertise across engineering and operational teams.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of technical knowledge and best practices within the design team and across departments to build organizational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Enstrom likely mirrors that of many established aerospace companies: disciplined, safety-conscious, and highly collaborative. The Design Manager will be instrumental in fostering these values within their team and across their cross-functional interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Managing multiple design projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines, technical complexities, and resource requirements, while also addressing urgent production and field issues.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of evolving FAA regulations and ensuring all designs and processes meet current compliance standards, which can be complex and time-consuming.

• Integrating New Technologies: Evaluating and potentially integrating new design tools, materials, or manufacturing processes while managing risks associated with their adoption in a safety-critical industry.

• Developing and Retaining Talent: Attracting, mentoring, and retaining skilled aerospace engineers in a competitive market, and ensuring the team has the necessary capabilities for current and future projects.

• Optimizing Design for Manufacturability & Cost: Ensuring that innovative designs are also cost-effective to produce and maintain, requiring close collaboration with manufacturing and supply chain teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Rotorcraft Engineering: Deepen expertise in specific areas of rotorcraft design, aerodynamics, or systems through specialized training, certifications, or on-the-job exposure to complex projects.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Enhance leadership capabilities through internal training programs, external workshops, or mentorship focused on strategic planning, team motivation, and cross-functional influence.

• Certification Process Expertise: Gain deeper insight into FAA certification processes, potentially by working on new type certifications or major modifications, and by engaging with regulatory bodies.

• Industry Best Practices: Opportunities to attend aerospace engineering conferences and workshops to stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in design and manufacturing.

• Mentorship Programs: Participate in or lead mentorship initiatives, both as a mentee to learn from senior leadership and as a mentor to develop junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are typical of senior engineering management in the aerospace sector. Successfully navigating these challenges offers substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development, particularly in leadership and specialized technical areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading an engineering design team through a complex aircraft certification process. What are the key milestones and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on structured planning, risk management, and regulatory adherence.)

• "How do you balance the demands of new product development with the need to support ongoing production and address field-related engineering issues?" (Highlight your ability to prioritize, resource allocation, and cross-functional communication.)

• "Walk me through a challenging structural analysis problem you encountered. What was your methodology, how did you arrive at a solution, and what was the impact on the design?" (Be prepared to discuss technical details, problem-solving skills, and the practical application of engineering principles.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within an engineering team, particularly in a highly regulated environment like aerospace?" (Emphasize creating a safe space for ideas, learning from failures, and driving efficiency.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage a conflict or disagreement between engineering and another department (e.g., manufacturing, quality). How did you resolve it?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and our place in the rotorcraft market?" (Research the company's history, product lines, and recent news.)

• "Based on the job description and your research, what do you see as the biggest challenges for this Design Manager role at Enstrom?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and an understanding of the operational context.)

• "How do your personal values align with Enstrom's likely values of safety, quality, and integrity?" (Connect your own work ethic and principles to the company's core tenets.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior engineers to ensure they grow into valuable contributors?" (Showcase your commitment to team development and knowledge transfer.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your innovative approach, the execution, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions as a manager and technical leader, not just what the team achieved. Use "I" when describing your leadership actions and "we" when discussing team accomplishments.

• Use Visuals Effectively: Employ clear diagrams, charts, or simplified schematics to illustrate complex designs or analysis results. Avoid overwhelming slides with too much text.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, risk assessments, and how you managed your team's workload and performance.

• Connect to Enstrom: Where possible, subtly link your past experiences and skills to the specific needs and context of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific, quantifiable examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss technical challenges in detail. A thorough understanding of Enstrom's products and the aerospace industry is crucial for demonstrating strategic thinking and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruitingbypaycor.com portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords related to aerospace engineering, rotorcraft design, structural analysis, FAA regulations, certification, and engineering leadership. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible (e.g., managed a team of X engineers, improved design cycle time by Y%, successfully certified Z components).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your design project case studies, analysis reports, and process improvement examples. Focus on showcasing your leadership, technical depth, and impact on safety, quality, and efficiency. Organize it logically for presentation.

• Research Enstrom: Familiarize yourself with Enstrom Helicopter Corporation's history, product lines (e.g., models like the 280FX, F280), market position, and any recent news or developments. Understand their commitment to safety and quality.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to engineering management, problem-solving, and FAA compliance. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.