Manager, Technical Leads – Rochester, NH

The Technology Team Manager will lead a team of Technical Leads and will be responsible for driving innovation, technical excellence, and strategic growth in the design, development and TRL advancement of composite materials at AEC for 1) aerostructures, 2) aeroengines, and 3) high temperature applications. This technology team manager will define technology roadmaps, guide engineering teams, and ensure that AEC’s composite solutions meet geometrical, performance, safety, cost, and certification requirements. The role also requires strong engagement with customers (both domestic and international) to understand their needs, communicate AEC’s capabilities, and ensure delivery of competitive solutions.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the composite technology roadmap to align with business and customer needs.
• Lead a team of technology leader and specialists in composite materials, design, analysis, manufacturing, inspection, testing, and integration.
• Oversee trade studies balancing weight, cost, performance and manufacturability for aeroengines, aerostructures and high-temperature applications.
• Drive technology maturation by advancing composite solutions for aerostructures, aeroengines, and high temperature applications between TRL 3 to 5, ensuring readiness for integration into development and production programs.
• Identify and select appropriate composite manufacturing methods, such as weaving, braiding, layup, dry fiber placement, or hybrid approaches, to ensure optimal performance, cost and manufacturability.
• Develop and oversee integration of in-process inspection systems for accuracy and defect detection.
• Engage with customers to understand requirements, communicate capabilities, and ensure delivery of commitments.
• Collaborate with aerostructures, aeroengines, and systems engineering teams to integrate composite solutions into larger assemblies.
• Provide support for bids, proposals, and business development activities including technical content development, cost estimation, and customer presentations, ensuring alignment with the department overall objectives and compliance requirements.
• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, and schedules to meet program milestones.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams and tooling suppliers to ensure robust, production-ready designs.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent in composite structures best practices.

position Competencies:

Knowledge / Experience:

• The ideal candidate is expected to demonstrate deep technical knowledge and proven experience in at least one of the following three core areas:

• Aeroengines: Solid understanding of gas turbine fundamentals. That includes operating conditions throughout the engine and the distribution of temperatures, pressures, and mechanical loads, along with the common failure modes that occur in engine environments, such as fatigue, creep, and oxidation. Additionally, knowledge of key structural components such as fan blades, fan cases, combustor liners, and exhausts. Familiarity with certification requirements under FAA and EASA standards is strongly desired, as is experience with engine components qualification and testing. General knowledge of composite parts integration with metallic structures and the broader propulsion system to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance is desired.

• Aerostructures: Strong understanding of aircraft structural design principles, including load paths and stress distributions. Additionally, knowledge of the operating environment of primary and secondary structures, such as wings, fuselage sections, spars, ribs, and control surfaces, with knowledge of the loads, pressures, and dynamic forces acting on these components. Expertise in structural analysis, fatigue and damage tolerance, and certification requirements under FAA and EASA regulations is essential. Experience with common composite failure modes, such as delamination, matrix cracking, and impact damage, as well as knowledge of non-destructive inspection methods.

• High-Temperature Composites: Deep knowledge of the different types of ceramic matrix composite, such as SiC/SiC, C/SiC, C/C, and Oxide/Oxides. This includes an understanding of how these materials perform under extreme conditions, including high thermal loads, oxidative environments, and mechanical stresses typical of aeroengines, spacecraft, and hypersonic applications. Expertise in processing methods such as chemical vapor infiltration, slurry infiltration, and high-temperature resin transfer molding is essential. Familiarity with the unique failure modes of high-temperature composites, including oxidation, creep, and thermal shock, as well as experience with non-destructive evaluation tailored for high-temperature applications.

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related filed. Advanced degree is considered a strong plus. Alternate experience and education may be considered.
• 15+ year experience in the aerospace field (including 3-5 years in a leadership role), with a strong background in composite materials.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, such as weaving, layup, forming, tooling, automated fiber placement, resin transfer molding, etc.
• Strong track record of leading engineering teams and delivering complex structural solutions.
• Strong communication skills, ability to engage with leadership, customers, and technical teams.
• Proven track records of advancing aerostructure solutions between TRL 3 and 5 and/or in low-rate production environment.
• Ability/ Willingness to obtain a us DoD Secret Clearance

Skills:

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams in research or development environment.
• Skilled in developing talent and building high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites and ceramics matrix composites.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills with ability to engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Advanced computer proficiency level using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, & PowerPoint).

Abilities:

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills within collaborative, team-based environments.
• Ability to assess complex technical landscapes and extract key insights and guiding principles.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance technical innovation and program execution.
• Willingness to learn new concepts, tools, and technologies.
• Willingness to engage in hands-on work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong action orientation with a results-driven mindset, sound decision-making abilities, and a focus on customer success.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality.

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