Your Job
As the Manager of Design Engineering, you will lead the end-to-end development of innovative interconnect solutions for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications. You will drive cross-functional collaboration from concept through production launch, ensuring new products meet performance, cost, and schedule targets. This role is pivotal in advancing our technology roadmap and maintaining our leadership in high-reliability connector systems.
Our Team
You will be part of a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team that includes engineering, program management, operations, and business development. Our NPD organization is focused on delivering differentiated solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers in aerospace, defense, and space markets.
What You Will Do
· Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of new product development projects from concept through production release.
· Translate customer requirements and market trends into product specifications and development plans.
· Collaborate with cross functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and supply chain) to ensure design for manufacturability, reliability, compliance, and cost.
· Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
· Drive stage-gate processes, design reviews, and risk assessments throughout the development lifecycle.
· Partner with business development and product management to define product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
· Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace and defense standards (e.g., AS9100, MIL-STD).
· Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and transition to production.
· Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in the NPD process.
· Mentor and develop design engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
· Travel to customer sites, suppliers, and manufacturing locations (~20%) to support development activities and technical reviews.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or related technical field).
· 7+ years of experience in product development, with demonstrated project leadership experience.
· Proven track record of launching complex electromechanical products in regulated industries.
· Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO, NX) and simulation software for signal integrity and thermal analysis.
· Strong understanding of connector technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes.
· Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
· U.S. citizenship required (due to contractual or export control obligations).
What Will Put You Ahead
· Master’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business Administration.
· Experience with aerospace and defense interconnect systems, including RF, fiber optic, or high-speed data connectors.
· Knowledge of APQP, DFMEA, DFM/DFA, and qualification testing protocols.
· PMP certification or formal training in project management methodologies.
Experience working with government and defense prime contractors.At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
Who We Are
{Insert company language from Company Boilerplate Language Guide}
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).