Aerospace Engineering Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of aerospace, the demand for skilled aerospace engineering managers is at its peak.

As technology advances, the need for competent leaders who can guide, enhance, and safeguard our aerospace systems escalates.

But let’s dig deeper: What exactly is expected from an aerospace engineering manager?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
A recruiter drafting the perfect candidate profile,
Or simply fascinated by the complexities of aerospace engineering management,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile aerospace engineering manager job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Aerospace Engineering Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Aerospace Engineering Managers oversee and manage the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft.

They ensure that the engineering principles are applied correctly and consistently throughout the project lifecycle, and they also manage teams of aerospace engineers.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

Planning, coordinating and directing the engineering activities for aerospace systems
Overseeing the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, and their components
Ensuring compliance with safety standards, government regulations, and customer requirements
Leading and managing teams of aerospace engineers, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
Reviewing and approving project designs and reports
Managing budgets and project resources
Coordinating with other departments, such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement
Conducting research to improve the design and functionality of aerospace systems
Communicating project status, progress, and challenges to stakeholders
Keeping up-to-date with advancements in aerospace technology and engineering

Aerospace Engineering Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly-skilled Aerospace Engineering Manager to join our team.

In this role, you will oversee the design, development, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products.

You will lead a team of aerospace engineers, manage projects, and work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aerospace systems and vehicles.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and deep understanding of aerospace technology and industry trends.

You should be able to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team while meeting or exceeding project deadlines and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Manage and lead a team of aerospace engineers
Plan, organize and direct activities concerned with the design, development, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet customer requirements
Coordinate and communicate with other departments and stakeholders
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality control standards
Manage resources and budget for engineering projects
Identify and implement strategies to improve production efficiency and product quality
Stay current with the latest developments and trends in aerospace technology
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members

Qualifications

Proven experience in an aerospace engineering role
Strong leadership and project management skills
Advanced knowledge of aerospace technology and industry trends
Proficient with computer-aided design (CAD) software
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonuses
Health, dental and vision insurance
Retirement plan
Professional development opportunities
Relocation assistance

Additional Information

Job Title: Aerospace Engineering Manager
Work Environment: This position is primarily office based, but will require visits to manufacturing and testing facilities. Some travel may be required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Engineering.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Bonus structures are also in place.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Aerospace Engineering Manager Do?

Aerospace Engineering Managers are professionals who oversee the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft.

They work in various industries such as aviation, defense, and space exploration, among others.

They are primarily responsible for coordinating and managing a team of aerospace engineers who conduct research, design aircraft and spacecraft structures, and test the performance of aerospace systems and equipment.

Their role involves planning and executing projects, ensuring that they are completed within budget and on time.

Aerospace Engineering Managers review the technical aspects of projects, identify potential risks, propose solutions and improvements, and ensure all safety and regulatory standards are met.

They also liaise with other departments, clients, or stakeholders, presenting project updates and findings, and negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.

Additionally, they may be involved in hiring and training new aerospace engineers, and are responsible for their performance evaluation and professional development.

Their role may also extend to troubleshooting and problem-solving in case of design or system failures, and they often play a pivotal role in advancing technological innovations in the field of aerospace engineering.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Qualifications and Skills

An effective Aerospace Engineering Manager should possess a diverse set of skills and qualifications that align with their job description, including:

Strong technical knowledge of aerospace systems and the ability to oversee the design, development, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products.
Leadership skills to manage a team of engineers, encouraging collaboration, facilitating meetings, and promoting professional development.
Project management skills to handle multiple projects at once, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and solve complex engineering challenges in the design and testing phases of a project.
Detail-oriented to ensure all specifications and regulations are met during the creation and implementation of aerospace systems.
Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring all parties are kept informed of project progress and any arising issues.
Ability to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design and development of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
Understanding of quality assurance and safety standards in the aerospace industry.
Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software and other engineering software necessary for the role.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Experience Requirements

Aerospace Engineering Managers typically require a significant amount of experience, often having 8 to 10 years in the field of aerospace engineering.

This experience is often gained through various roles such as Aerospace Engineer, Project Engineer, or Systems Engineer within the aerospace industry.

Entry-level candidates may start their careers as Aerospace Engineers, gaining practical experience and a solid understanding of the principles and concepts related to designing and testing aircraft and aerospace products.

After gaining 3 to 5 years of experience, they may progress to senior or lead engineering roles where they can develop their project management skills and begin to supervise the work of junior engineers.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience might take on more complex projects, overseeing teams and managing resources.

They may have roles such as Senior Aerospace Engineer, Lead Engineer, or even Project Manager.

Those with more than 10 years of experience, and a proven track record of successfully completed projects, are often considered for Aerospace Engineering Manager positions.

In addition to their technical skills, these professionals should also have significant experience in leadership, strategic planning, and resource management.

They may have had previous experience as a Project Manager, Director of Engineering, or a similar high-level position within the aerospace industry.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Education and Training Requirements

Aerospace Engineering Managers typically possess a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

They must have strong knowledge in areas such as aerodynamics, aviation, spacecraft design, and thermodynamics.

A strong grasp of mathematics and physics is also essential.

Many organizations prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or Business Administration, especially for managerial roles.

In addition to their degrees, these professionals usually need several years of experience in the field, often as Aerospace Engineers, before moving up to a managerial position.

They also may require professional engineering (PE) licensure, which involves passing two rigorous exams and gaining appropriate work experience.

Some Aerospace Engineering Managers may also pursue specialized certifications in areas such as Project Management, Systems Engineering, or Quality Management to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Continual professional development is crucial in this role due to the rapid technological advancements in the aerospace industry.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Aerospace Engineering Manager is $138,378 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of education, the complexity of projects managed, and the location of the job.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Aerospace Engineering Manager need?

Typically, an Aerospace Engineering Manager should hold a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.

A master’s degree or an MBA is often preferred.

They should also have a considerable amount of work experience in the field, usually around 5-10 years, with some of that time spent in a managerial or supervisory role.

What skills are essential for an Aerospace Engineering Manager?

Aerospace Engineering Managers should have strong leadership and project management skills, as well as extensive knowledge of aerospace technology and principles.

They should also possess problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.

A good manager is also an effective communicator, able to liaise with different departments, clients, and stakeholders.

What are the daily duties of an Aerospace Engineering Manager?

The daily duties of an Aerospace Engineering Manager can vary depending on the project they’re managing.

Generally, they oversee the design, development, and testing of aerospace products, manage teams of engineers, liaise with clients, and contribute to budgeting and scheduling processes.

They are also involved in quality control, ensuring all processes and final products meet the required standards and regulations.

What qualities make a good Aerospace Engineering Manager?

A good Aerospace Engineering Manager is a strong leader who can motivate and manage teams effectively.

They are detail-oriented and have high standards when it comes to quality control.

They should also be innovative and forward-thinking, constantly staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements.

Is it difficult to hire Aerospace Engineering Managers?

Hiring Aerospace Engineering Managers can be challenging due to the high level of experience and qualifications required for the role.

Additionally, it can be hard to find candidates who possess both technical expertise and strong leadership skills.

As an employer, you may need to offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth to attract and retain top talent.

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed through the cosmos to reveal what it truly means to be an aerospace engineering manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about building rockets.

It’s about charting the course of humanity’s future, one spacecraft at a time.

Armed with our specialized aerospace engineering manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to blast off.

But why limit your exploration here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next platform for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to stellar standards.

Remember:

Every spacecraft is a part of the grander mission.

Let’s reach for the stars. Together.

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