Job Title: Sr Manager Engineering Job Family: Engineering Company: Paligen Aerospace & Defense Location: Tampa, FL onsite Job Summary: The Sr Manager Engineering will serve as a senior engineering leader responsible for leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and advancing manufacturing and product engineering capabilities for the Aerospace & Defense Division, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer. This role is technical leadership focused, aligning with technology strategy, engineering standards, innovation and scale-up, and driving technical integrity, R&D integration, and engineering excellence. More specifically, this position is responsible for setting and enforcing engineering standards, supporting design/production programs, and advancing new technologies from concept to production. The position will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, driving innovation, safety, and compliance across defense and commercial projects while partnering closely with Operations and Program Management to enable successful execution. Key Responsibilities: Engineering Leadership & Strategy - Define and implement the division’s engineering strategy in alignment with the CTO’s product and technology roadmap.
- Serve as design authority for engineering deliverables, ensuring adherence to best practices, technical rigor, and compliance requirements.
- Lead the development of engineering standards, manufacturing processes, design practices, and engineering management systems across the division
Engineering Excellence & Governance - Oversee engineering, hazard analyses, and risk assessments for high-hazard facilities.
- Establish technical review boards, when necessary, and lead design reviews to ensure technical soundness and regulatory compliance.
- Partner with Operations leaders to ensure engineered systems support safe, reliable, and efficient plant commissioning and operations.
- Provide technical oversight for facility design, modifications, and expansions.
Innovation & Technology Development - Collaborate with R&D teams to transition new processes and products into manufacturable solutions.
- Identify emerging technologies and capabilities that strengthen the division’s competitive edge in defense and commercial markets.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance technical capabilities and product reliability.
Talent Development & Leadership - Build and mentor a high-performing engineering organization with expertise in process, mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
- Lead technical succession planning and workforce development for critical engineering skills.
- Foster a culture of technical curiosity, innovation, safety, and collaboration.
- Support collaborations with educational institutions and create internship projects that help to develop our future pipeline of engineering talent.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement - In collaboration with CTO, act as a technical representative for defense and commercial customers, regulators, and government stakeholders.
- Support Aerospace and Defense business through technical input on proposals, customer meetings, and strategic initiatives.
- Represent the division at industry and government forums to influence standards and showcase capabilities.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline. Master’s preferred.
- 10+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, defense/aerospace, or explosives/energetic materials industries, with 5+ years leadership and people management experience.
- Proven record of leading engineering organizations, with emphasis on technical standards, governance, and innovation.
- Experience working with DoD or other government customers and contracts strongly preferred.
Knowledge & Skills - Strong background in safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, ATF, DoD).
- Ability to drive technical decision-making, resolve complex engineering challenges, and balance innovation with execution.
- Excellent communication skills for engaging with senior leaders, customers, and regulators.
Other Requirements: - Travel: ~25%
- Work Environment: Office work environment with travel to manufacturing and customer locations
- Background Investigation / Drug Screen: Required.
Paligen Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, placing value on a diverse and inclusive environment. All hiring decisions are based exclusively on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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