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Aerospace Engineering Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for ...

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for ...

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for ...

Director of Engineering

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for ...

Director of Engineering

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for ...

Sr. Cabin Retrofit Solutions Engineer

Mobile, AL · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

As a member of the Airbus Cabin Upgrade Engineering team, you will apply advanced aerospace ... Provide direct technical support to on-site modification teams, including active deployment to ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a highly related STEM field. Experience: 3-5 years of direct experience in flight test data reduction, aircraft performance ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a highly related STEM field. Experience: 3-5 years of direct experience in flight test data reduction, aircraft performance ...

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Aerospace Engineering Director information

See Alabama salary details

$66.2K

$176.5K

$230.2K

How much do aerospace engineering director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering director in Alabama is $176,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,300.00 and $229,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerospace engineering director?

An Aerospace Engineering Director oversees the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They lead engineering teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their role involves strategic planning, collaborating with executives, and integrating new technologies to enhance aerospace products. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills are essential for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineering director?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineering Director, you need a robust background in aerospace engineering, project management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree (such as a Master's in Engineering or an MBA). Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Outstanding leadership, strategic decision-making, and strong communication skills differentiate top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for overseeing complex projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that rigorous engineering standards and business goals are met.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace engineering directors in their daily work?

Aerospace Engineering Directors often manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, requiring excellent prioritization and time management skills. They must regularly address technical challenges, regulatory compliance issues, and evolving client demands, often under tight deadlines. Additionally, this role involves balancing the needs of engineering teams, upper management, and external stakeholders while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget. Adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and strong leadership are key to successfully navigating these challenges and maintaining project momentum.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Alabama?

For Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Aerospace Engineering Director jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Aerospace Engineering Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering Director job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $176,482 per year, or $84.8 per hour.

Director of Engineering

FMS Aerospace

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

FMS Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bridger Aerospace, is seeking a combined Director of Engineering role for our Huntsville office. The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, technical excellence, and operational performance of the engineering organization within an aerospace engineering and manufacturing environment. This position oversees multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting product development, manufacturing, production support, sustainment, process improvement, and customer programs.
The Director of Engineering ensures engineering activities align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, quality standards, and customer expectations while driving innovation, efficiency, and growth.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and business acumen with a proven track record of delivering complex aerospace programs on schedule and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership
  • Lead, develop, and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, electrical, systems, quality, and test engineers.
  • Establish departmental vision, goals, and performance metrics aligned with company strategy.
  • Build a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage engineering resource allocation across multiple programs and priorities.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering talent.

Program & Technical Oversight
  • Provide technical leadership for aerospace product design, development, qualification, production, and lifecycle support.
  • Oversee engineering execution for customer-funded and internally funded programs.
  • Ensure engineering deliverables meet requirements for cost, schedule, quality, safety, and performance.
  • Review and approve engineering designs, analyses, specifications, and technical data packages.
  • Support proposal development, technical volume creation, and customer presentations.

Manufacturing & Production Support
  • Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to support production objectives.
  • Resolve production challenges through engineering analysis and corrective actions.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) and transition from development to production.
  • Improve manufacturing processes, tooling, workflows, and production efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements, including:
    • AS9100 & ISO:9001
    • FAA regulations (as applicable)
    • DoD and government contracting requirements
    • Airworthiness and certification requirements
  • Oversee configuration management, design control, and engineering change processes.
  • Participate in audits, customer reviews, and regulatory assessments.

Strategic Planning & Business Operations
  • Develop and manage engineering budgets, capital expenditures, and departmental forecasts.
  • Support long-term growth initiatives, technology roadmaps, and market expansion strategies.
  • Identify opportunities for process automation, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to align engineering investments with business objectives.
  • Monitor and report engineering performance metrics to senior management.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as a primary technical interface with customers, partners, suppliers, and government agencies.
  • Support customer meetings, design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and program reviews.
  • Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and professional organizations.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 10-15 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, or advanced manufacturing.
  • Minimum 5 years of engineering management experience, leading teams and programs.
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, and/or highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace product development and engineering lifecycle processes.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing and production environments.
  • Knowledge of configuration management and engineering change control processes.
  • Demonstrated success delivering complex technical programs on schedule and within budget.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work proficiently with remotely located employees as well as in a team environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Must be U.S. citizen
  • Must currently possess (or be able to obtain) a DoD security clearance (Secret level minimum)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or related technical discipline.
  • Experience with military, defense, FAA, NASA, or commercial aerospace programs.
  • Experience with aerospace structures, aircraft modifications, avionics integration, propulsion systems, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
  • Experience supporting AS9100-certified operations.
  • DoD or Military background is a plus

Technical Competencies
  • Aerospace design and development
  • Systems engineering
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Product lifecycle management (PLM)
  • CAD and engineering tools
  • Root cause and corrective action (RCCA)
  • Failure analysis and risk management
  • Configuration management
  • AS9100 quality systems
  • Program and project management
  • Engineering change management
  • Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts
  • Continuous improvement methodologies

Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic thinking
  • Team development and mentorship
  • Executive communication
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Cross-functional leadership
  • Customer relationship management
  • Change management
  • Financial and business acumen
  • Conflict resolution
  • Results-oriented execution

Work Environment
This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments and may require regular interaction with production personnel, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers. Occasional travel to customer, supplier, and program locations. Ability to access production facilities, test sites, and engineering laboratories.
Benefits and Perks:
  • Industry-competitive compensation package
  • Company performance-based bonus plan
  • Equity stock-based compensation package
  • Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
  • 401k with company match
  • PTO & holiday pay
  • Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverages

Company Profile
Founded in 2013, FMS is a growing, flexible, customer-driven aircraft structural engineering and flight test company with manufacturing capability. We have many opportunities with a variety of types of projects with both foreign and domestic governments and commercial customers across many types of aircraft. Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. Bridger Aerospace has grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack fleet, Special Missions Sensor Equipped Aircraft, and the largest privately operated Super Scooper fleet in the world.
This position is subject to pre-employment background check.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates.