Mechanical Engineer Lead

Mechanical Engineering Lead Mechanical Engineering lead is responsible for technical leadership, system-level mechanical design, and execution of mechanical engineering projects from concept to production. This role combines hands-on engineering with leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and ownership of technical quality, schedule, and risk mitigation. Who are we? Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisting in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas, and Lockheed. Today, Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. Job Summary - Lead & execute ECOs, R&D, and NPI projects - Lead design reviews and ensure design meets performance and reliability targets - Lead customer meetings providing technical information and project status - Lead and mentor mechanical engineers - Organize work load for team members - Create & validate concept designs - Coordinate with Design Engineering Lead on project timeline execution - Support field issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions - Partner with manufacturing to ensure designs are manufacturable and scalable - Owns mechanical architecture and detailed design of products - Maintain mechanical engineering standards - Drive mechanical development across the full product lifecycle: concept design, prototyping, testing, validation, production support - Create and manage mechanical project plans, schedules, and risk assessments - Ensure timely delivery of mechanical deliverables within scope and budget - Provide technical guidance, design feedback, and career development support - Support hiring, onboarding, and performance reviews for mechanical team members