Senior Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Engineering Design Manager

Company: GE Aerospace

Location: Bohemia, New York, United States / Rockledge, Florida, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23T00:00:00

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a world-class engineering team focused on the design and analysis of hypersonic flight and ground prototypes for high-speed propulsion systems, targeting Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6-7.

• Manage team capacity and capability, balancing business demands with resource allocation and continuous process improvement initiatives, particularly leveraging Lean principles.

• Serve as an individual contributor performing senior-level mechanical design and analysis for complex propulsion systems, utilizing advanced CAD and FEA tools.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Program Management, Test, and Manufacturing counterparts to ensure successful delivery of business needs and drive operational efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Engineering Design Manager," the responsibilities blend significant technical leadership and individual contribution with management duties. This role is crucial for the operational success of developing advanced propulsion systems, bridging design, analysis, and production. The emphasis on TRL 6-7 suggests a focus on maturing technologies towards production readiness, a key aspect of operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design and analysis engineers, overseeing recruitment, career development, performance appraisals, training, and coaching to foster continuous improvement.

• Partner with other engineering leaders to strategically resource programs and proactively enhance team capabilities to meet evolving business requirements.

• Drive technical excellence within the team, actively participating in technical activities and implementing robust engineering principles to address complex challenges.

• Champion and develop strong Lean methodologies, standard work practices, and daily management within the team, leading Lean activities to achieve business priorities and optimize workflows.

• Develop innovative technical design solutions, supported by rigorous analysis, and coordinate with multidiscipline teams to achieve program objectives and deliver complex prototypes.

• Perform senior-level mechanical design using NX CAD and Teamcenter Unified Architecture (TcUA), ensuring design integrity and manufacturability.

• Conduct thorough thermal-structural analysis using classical calculations, 1D tools, and ANSYS Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate design performance under extreme conditions.

• Lead hardware production efforts and oversee ground and flight testing of flight-relevant systems, ensuring successful execution and data collection.

• Coordinate closely with DOD and NASA customers, understanding their requirements and ensuring program alignment with government specifications and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: managing people and processes while also performing high-level technical design and analysis. This blend is common in senior operations and engineering leadership roles where strategic oversight is paired with deep technical expertise to drive tangible outcomes. The mention of "maturing high-speed propulsion systems to TRL 6-7" indicates a strong focus on operational readiness and scale-up potential.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Experience: 15+ years in Engineering/Technology & Functional Management across all lifecycle phases. 10+ years in developing prototype ground and flight systems, including flight-relevant hardware (fuel-cooled, flight weight, QA processes). 10+ years in developing fluid systems. 10+ years of experience working with DOD and NASA customers.

Required Skills:

• Significant experience in the hypersonic air-breathing propulsion system field.

• Expert ability to develop mechanical design using NX CAD and TcUA.

• Experience performing thermal-structural analysis via classical calculations, 1D tools, and ANSYS FEA.

• Significant experience leading hardware production and ground and flight testing of flight-relevant systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical excellence within a team, fostering continuous improvement and applying solid engineering principles.

• Proficiency in developing and enhancing engineering processes and practices.

• Experience with Lean principles, standard work, and daily management.

• Strong understanding of working with DOD and NASA customers.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance (prerequisite: U.S. Citizenship). Preferred Skills:

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with direct technical leadership of cross-discipline engineering teams.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex problems with a structured process mindset.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, effective with senior leadership and diverse career levels.

• Awareness of design toolsets and digital business packages for driving adoption of enhanced capabilities.

• Hands-on approach fostering excellent communication with Technical Leadership, Engineering, Operations, and Test teams.

• Quick learner, strategic prioritization of work, and commitment to project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize deep technical expertise in hypersonic systems, advanced design/analysis tools, and extensive experience with government clients. The management aspect is framed around fostering a high-performing team and optimizing processes, aligning with operational efficiency goals. The explicit mention of "US Person" status for export-controlled information is critical for roles involving sensitive defense technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in leading the development of complex engineering prototypes from concept through testing, showcasing a structured approach to problem-solving and design validation.

• Case studies detailing successful implementation of process improvements, particularly those leveraging Lean methodologies or enhancing engineering workflows for efficiency and quality.

• Examples of system development lifecycle management, including requirements definition, design, analysis, production coordination, and testing phases for flight hardware.

• Evidence of managing technical teams and their output, highlighting leadership in recruitment, development, and performance management within an engineering context. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of workflow design and optimization for engineering projects, illustrating how processes were analyzed, improved, and implemented to achieve specific outcomes.

• Examples of system implementation and automation efforts within engineering design or analysis, showcasing proficiency with tools like NX CAD, TcUA, or ANSYS FEA.

• Metrics and performance analysis reports that demonstrate the impact of implemented processes or design changes on key performance indicators such as cycle time, cost reduction, or technical performance.

• Documentation of standard work procedures or best practices developed and disseminated to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior engineering management role with individual contributor responsibilities, a portfolio should showcase both leadership in process refinement and individual technical mastery. The emphasis on TRL 6-7 implies a need to demonstrate experience in scaling processes from R&D to near-production, which requires robust documentation and a clear understanding of operational readiness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For New York applicants, the base pay range is $150,000 - $225,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Access to a Health Coach and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Retirement benefits, including the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan (401(k)) with company matching and retirement contributions.

• Access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.

• Tuition assistance and adoption assistance programs.

• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, and life insurance.

• Paid time-off for vacation and illness.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week is the standard for a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to New York applicants. For Bohemia, NY, this range is likely applicable, while Rockledge, FL might have a slightly different range due to cost of living and local market dynamics. Compensation is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, retirement, and personal development, which are key considerations for senior operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. GE Aerospace is a leading global provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft.

Company Size: GE Aerospace is a large enterprise, part of the General Electric Company, indicating a significant global presence with extensive resources and established corporate structures. This implies a structured environment with formalized processes for operations, engineering, and management.

Founded: GE Aerospace has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early days of aviation and General Electric's innovation in engine technology. This heritage suggests a culture that values deep engineering expertise, continuous innovation, and a commitment to long-term technological advancement.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely structured to support advanced engineering projects, with specialized groups for design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and program management.

• Reporting structure will involve direct reports to the Senior Engineering Design Manager, who in turn reports to higher levels of engineering or program leadership within GE Aerospace's defense or advanced programs division.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving close partnerships with program managers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance, test engineers, and government customer representatives. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are central to engineering and operational decision-making, particularly in the development of high-speed propulsion systems where performance metrics are critical.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are driven by Lean principles and a focus on continuous improvement to meet demanding project timelines and quality standards.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design and analysis processes, leveraging advanced software tools and digital technologies to accelerate development cycles and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Aerospace's position in the aerospace and defense sector means a strong emphasis on rigorous engineering standards, safety, and compliance. The culture likely values innovation, technical excellence, and a disciplined approach to project execution, which directly impacts how operations and engineering teams function. The size of the company suggests opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to a wide range of projects and technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, requiring significant experience in both technical leadership and people management within a highly specialized engineering domain (hypersonic propulsion). It sits at a critical junction, translating strategic goals into actionable engineering plans and overseeing their execution through a technical team.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Engineering Design Manager will report to a Director or Vice President of Engineering or Advanced Programs. They will directly manage a team of engineers, likely including leads for specific design or analysis sub-teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on GE Aerospace's ability to deliver critical hypersonic technology programs for defense and potentially future aerospace applications. Success in this role contributes to the company's competitive edge, technological advancement, and revenue generation through successful contract fulfillment and future business development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into broader operational leadership roles within GE Aerospace, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or program management leadership for major defense contracts.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in hypersonic systems, advanced materials, or propulsion technologies, potentially leading to Chief Engineer or Principal Technical Fellow roles.

• Leadership Development: Further development in strategic planning, executive communication, and large-scale team management, preparing for higher executive leadership positions within GE Aerospace or the broader aerospace industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a major aerospace corporation. The blend of management and technical contribution is ideal for individuals looking to grow into senior operational leadership or specialized technical expert roles. The focus on hypersonic technology also places this role at the forefront of cutting-edge aerospace development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site, requiring the candidate to work from GE Aerospace facilities in Bohemia, NY, or Rockledge, FL. The environment will be a corporate engineering office setting, likely with access to labs, testing facilities, and manufacturing areas.

Office Location(s):

• Bohemia, New York: A location within a region known for aerospace and technology companies.

• Rockledge, Florida: Situated in the heart of Florida's Space Coast, an area with a strong presence of aerospace and defense contractors. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, fostering interaction with design engineers, analysts, program managers, and manufacturing personnel.

• Access to advanced engineering tools, software licenses (NX CAD, TcUA, ANSYS FEA), and potentially specialized hardware for testing and prototyping will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with technical leadership, cross-functional teams, and potentially government customer representatives are integral to the role.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours/week) are expected, with potential for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or testing events, typical for program-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for a role involving prototype development and testing, necessitating hands-on oversight and direct collaboration. The locations in New York and Florida are strategic, placing the candidate within established aerospace industry hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and potentially a hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience alignment with hypersonic propulsion, management, and required technical skills.

• Technical Interview: A deep dive into mechanical design, thermal-structural analysis, CAD/FEA proficiency (NX, TcUA, ANSYS), and experience with prototype development and testing. Expect scenario-based questions related to problem-solving and design challenges.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team development strategies, experience with Lean principles, collaboration skills, and ability to manage cross-functional relationships. Questions will focus on how you develop teams and drive process improvements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio showcasing successful projects, process improvements, team leadership achievements, and complex technical solutions. This is where you demonstrate your ability to articulate impact and methodology.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership, focusing on strategic alignment, long-term vision for the team and technology, and cultural fit within GE Aerospace.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process Improvement: Showcase specific examples of how you've implemented Lean principles, optimized workflows, or improved engineering processes, quantifying the impact (e.g., reduced cycle time, cost savings, improved quality).

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Include detailed case studies of complex mechanical designs or analyses you've led or contributed to, explaining the challenges, your approach, the tools used, and the validated results.

• Quantify Management Impact: Provide examples of team growth, successful recruitment and retention, or improvements in team performance metrics under your leadership.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, responsibility area, or impact metric. Be prepared to walk interviewers through key examples concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypersonic System Design/Analysis: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges or problem-solving scenarios related to high-speed propulsion systems, requiring you to outline a strategic approach.

• Process Optimization Scenario: You might be presented with a common operational challenge (e.g., design review bottlenecks, testing delays) and asked to propose a Lean-based solution.

• Leadership & Team Management: Practice articulating your philosophy on team development, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both deep technical acumen and strong leadership capabilities. A portfolio that clearly articulates both individual technical achievements and management success in driving operational efficiency will be critical. Demonstrating a solid understanding of Lean principles and their application to engineering processes is a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Expert proficiency in NX CAD is required for mechanical design and modeling of complex components and assemblies.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Teamcenter Unified Architecture (TcUA) or similar Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows is essential.

• FEA Software: Strong capabilities in ANSYS FEA for performing thermal-structural analysis, validating designs under extreme operating conditions.

• 1D Analysis Tools: Familiarity with 1D simulation tools for preliminary analysis and system-level performance prediction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, expect to utilize internal GE Aerospace analytics platforms for project tracking, performance monitoring, and resource management.

• Proficiency in interpreting and presenting data from simulations, tests, and production to inform decision-making. CRM & Automation:

• This role is primarily engineering-focused, so direct CRM experience is less likely to be a core requirement. However, understanding how engineering outputs feed into broader CRM or ERP systems for program management and production planning is beneficial.

• Automation within design and analysis workflows (e.g., scripting, model-based systems engineering principles) will be a key area of interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of NX CAD, TcUA, and ANSYS FEA highlights the technical core of this role. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable and will be heavily scrutinized during the interview process. Demonstrating an understanding of how these tools integrate within a broader product development lifecycle (PLM) is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous engineering standards, deep analysis, and innovation in developing cutting-edge propulsion systems.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing Lean principles, standard work, and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing process enhancements to drive efficiency and quality.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across engineering disciplines, program management, manufacturing, and with government customers.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of team performance, project outcomes, and the successful maturation of technologies to TRL 6-7.

• Safety & Compliance: Upholding stringent safety protocols and adhering to all regulatory and contractual requirements, particularly those related to defense and export control.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect active engagement with teams beyond immediate engineering, including program management, manufacturing operations, quality assurance, and test facilities.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to regularly review and refine operational and engineering processes, actively seeking feedback and incorporating lessons learned.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned are shared openly across the team and with relevant stakeholders to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Aerospace's culture in the defense sector is characterized by high standards, precision, and a strong sense of mission. The values emphasized here reflect a need for both technical mastery and operational discipline, aligning with the role's dual responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maturing High-Risk Technologies: Leading the development of hypersonic propulsion systems involves inherent technical risks and uncertainties that require robust problem-solving and adaptive management strategies.

• Balancing Management & Technical Contribution: Effectively splitting time and focus between leading a team, developing processes, and performing complex individual technical work is a constant challenge.

• Navigating Government Contracts: Working with DOD and NASA customers requires adherence to specific acquisition processes, reporting requirements, and security protocols.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The hypersonic field is rapidly advancing, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, materials, and design methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Propulsion Systems Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in hypersonic dynamics, advanced materials, and novel propulsion concepts.

• Leadership and Management Programs: Access to GE Aerospace's internal leadership development programs, focusing on strategic planning, executive communication, and financial acumen.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Participation in leading aerospace and defense conferences and potential for certifications in specialized engineering or management fields.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior GE Aerospace executives and to mentor junior engineers, fostering leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges common in advanced technology development and defense contracting, but these are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities. The emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation is key to success in this dynamic field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a team of engineers responsible for developing a critical prototype under tight deadlines and evolving requirements. How would you ensure both technical rigor and operational efficiency?" (Focus on team development, process integration, Lean principles, and risk management.)

• "How do you balance your responsibilities as a manager with your individual technical contributions? Provide an example where your technical expertise directly influenced a team's success." (Highlight your ability to mentor while also contributing hands-on, and showcase a specific technical problem you solved.)

• "Walk me through a process improvement initiative you led. What was the problem, what steps did you take, what tools/methodologies did you use, and what were the quantifiable results?" (Prepare a detailed case study on Lean implementation or workflow optimization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about GE Aerospace's role in the hypersonic propulsion market, and how do you see this role contributing to our strategic objectives?" (Research recent GE Aerospace news, focus on defense sector contributions, and align your skills with their mission.)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your engineering team, especially in a highly regulated environment?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy regarding psychological safety, feedback, and process ownership.)

• "Describe your experience working with government customers like DOD or NASA. What are the key considerations for success in such engagements?" (Emphasize understanding of compliance, reporting, and stakeholder management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For every project or initiative presented, ensure you have clear, quantifiable metrics demonstrating success (e.g., % reduction in cycle time, % improvement in performance, cost savings).

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the "before" and "after" of any process improvement, detailing the steps taken and the operational benefits achieved. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Technical Depth & Problem-Solving: For technical examples, explain the problem's complexity, your analytical approach, the tools used (NX, ANSYS), and how your design/analysis solved the issue.

• Leadership Narrative: Weave in how you led, mentored, or developed your team throughout these projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a clear understanding of both advanced engineering principles and effective operational management. Candidates must be ready to articulate their experience with specific tools, methodologies (especially Lean), and their ability to lead teams towards tangible business outcomes in a complex, regulated industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the GE Aerospace careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in hypersonic propulsion systems, mechanical design using NX CAD and TcUA, thermal-structural analysis with ANSYS FEA, prototype development, hardware production, and leadership of engineering teams. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in leading technical teams, implementing process improvements (especially Lean), and delivering complex engineering solutions from design through testing. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on quantifiable results and your specific contributions.

• Research GE Aerospace: Understand the company's strategic priorities, particularly their advancements in aerospace and defense, and specifically their work in high-speed propulsion. Familiarize yourself with their values and culture.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare for questions related to technical challenges, leadership scenarios, process optimization, and your experience with government clients. Practice articulating your portfolio examples clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.