3D Design Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

COLSA Corporation is seeking a Lead Hardware Design Engineer with small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) experience to provide technical leadership to our design engineering team. This position will lead the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of hardware systems supporting sUAS platforms while guiding engineers and technicians throughout the product development process. The selected candidate will work across the full product lifecycle, from concept development and prototyping through manufacturing, system integration, testing, field support, and sustainment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and support hardware solutions for small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS), including airframes and related components.
• Provide technical guidance and work leadership to junior design engineers and engineering technicians throughout the full production lifecycle.
• Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
• Manage engineering documentation, revisions, and product configurations using SolidWorks PDM.
• Develop and build prototype hardware using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping methods.
• Evaluate hardware designs to ensure they meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.
• Support hardware integration, assembly, testing, and validation throughout the development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute hardware test plans, document results, and recommend design improvements based on test findings.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, and test engineers to support successful system integration and product development.
• Prepare engineering documentation, including technical reports, work instructions, and test procedures.
• Apply engineering principles to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical challenges while balancing performance, schedule, cost, and mission requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and customer briefings.
• Develop and maintain engineering processes, standards, and technical documentation.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 10-16 years of related experience
• Demonstrated expertise with SolidWorks CAD and SolidWorks PDM
• Hands‑on experience with 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and design
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and balance competing system‑level constraints during the design, integration, and testing of uncrewed systems to meet customer needs
• Proven ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams in fast‑paced uncrewed systems design, testing, and field environments
• Experience overseeing multiple complete product development lifecycles for an uncrewed aerial system, from concept through completion
• U.S. Citizenship required; selected candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to the start date

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.