Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Design Engineering Manager will oversee the Opto-Mechanical Design Engineering Department at Attalon Optical Systems, managing and training a team of highly skilled engineers. This role includes leading and coordinating the department’s design efforts to develop innovative components, products, and systems while ensuring efficient use of personnel, equipment, and resources. The Design Engineering Manager will also handle personnel responsibilities such as recruiting, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments for the department.

During busy times, the Design Engineering Manager will work alongside the team by contributing hands‑on opto‑mechanical design or structural analysis to ensure departmental goals are met.

Responsibilities

• Assign short-term and long-term tasks effectively to appropriate team members, ensuring optimal workload distribution and productivity.
• Oversee design activities related to concept development and engineering specifications, ensuring alignment with program financial goals. Provide workload estimates and status updates to program management.
• Write, review, and deliver clear and detailed engineering reports, white papers, and presentations (e.g., diagrams, flowcharts, PowerPoints). Lead brainstorming sessions, organize effective meetings, and inspire, influence, and guide teams to success.
• Maintain and improve design engineering department processes, as well as the design-related section of the Attalon Optical Systems Engineering Standards Manual. Support audits and ensure compliance with the Attalon Optical Systems Quality Management System (QMS).
• Assist in developing department goals and organizational objectives through technical expertise and strategic business planning. Support long-term growth and company excellence.
• Lead interdisciplinary, cross-functioning teams on projects with key technological and business impacts. Provide mentorship and task assignments to maximize team members’ strengths and foster professional development.
• Create a supportive, motivating, and collaborative team environment. Champion professional growth by identifying opportunities and delivering constructive feedback to team members. Regularly share and transfer knowledge to elevate departmental expertise.
• Ensure product design and processes meet customer specifications and technical requirements for all development projects.
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and anticipate future needs (2+ years ahead). Attend conferences, trade shows, and related events, and report findings and assessments as appropriate.
• Support business development and programs with technical advice and leadership for design projects. Actively contribute to proposal preparation, writing, and customer presentations.
• Participate in the quotation process by reviewing customer requirements, designs, and specifications to ensure manufacturability and identify any development or technical gaps.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide mentorship for direct reports, promoting team growth and performance excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline (optical or mechanical engineering preferred).
• 10+ years’ experience in mechanical design using CAD software.
• 5+ years’ experience managing direct reports, preferably within an aerospace or defense engineering organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Knowledge of FEA tools and applying boundary conditions effectively.
• Strong leadership abilities, personnel management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in process design, development, and technical planning.
• Proficiency in preparing and maintaining design-related documents including drawings, procedures, work instructions, and Bills of Material, in alignment with document and configuration control requirements.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing standards (ISO 9000, AS9100, ANSI standards).
• Expertise in flowing requirements from customer specifications into mechanical designs and drawings.
• Experience writing technical proposals and contributing to high-impact projects.

For California, the salary range for this position is: $117,645 - $211,830 per year.
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.