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Associate Mechanical Engineering Manager – Communication Systems

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Westminster, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 127000 - 153000

Posted: 29 September 2026 (2 days ago)

Application Deadline: 27 December 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

AtCesiumAstro we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites UAVs launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment which allows us to learn develop and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on interactive and autonomous work CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design build and test ofcutting-edgeactive phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

We are actively seeking a passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking Associate Mechanical Engineering Manager to join our Communication Systems business in Westminster Colorado.

In this role you will provide functional leadership for a team of Mechanical Engineers supporting the development of airborne maritime and ground-based phased array communication systems. You will be responsible for developing engineers supporting resource planning improving engineering processes and ensuring successful execution across multiple product and customer programs.

Working closely with Program Managers Responsible Engineers Systems Engineers and fellow Functional Managers you will help ensure the Mechanical Engineering organization delivers high-quality technical work while continuously improving people processes and addition to your management responsibilities you will remain an active technical contributor on critical product developments leading mechanical design efforts and mentoring engineers through the full product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing ruggedized electronics packaging and mechanical systems for aerospace defense or communications applications and enjoys mentoring engineers while remaining hands-on in the development of production hardware.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers fostering a collaborative innovative and high-performing engineering culture.
Provide coaching mentorship performance feedback and career development for team members.
Support staffing hiring onboarding and resource allocation across programs and IRAD efforts.
Partner with program leadership to ensure mechanical engineering activities are executed successfully while meeting technical cost and scheduleobjectives.
Develop implement and continuously improve mechanical engineering processes standards tools and best practices.
Promote technical excellence through design reviews engineering guidance and mentorship.
Serve as a senior technical contributor for ruggedized electronics packaging phased array antenna systems and communication hardware.
Lead or support concept development mechanical architecture detailed design structural and thermal analysis manufacturing integration environmental qualification and production transition activities.
Support proposal development customer technical discussions and design reviews.
Foster collaboration across Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering RF Manufacturing Quality Test and Supply Chain organizations.
PromoteCesiumAstros culture values and commitment to continuous improvement.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
47 years of industry experience as an individual contributor in the design and analysis of aerospace defense communications or ruggedized electronics products.
Additional 1 year of previous leadership or management experience either as a technical lead project lead Responsible Engineer IPT Lead or people manager.
Demonstrated ability to lead mentor and motivate engineers while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Experience designing PCBA-level and system-level electronics packaging and mechanical systems for aerospace defense or communications applications.
Experience with the complete product development lifecycle including concept development design analysis manufacturing integration environmental qualification production and sustainment.
Experience with professional simulation tools such as ANSYS Mechanical and/or SolidWorks Simulation as well as CAD/PDM systems such as SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
Experience designing for aerospace and defense manufacturing methods including CNC machining sheet metal fabrication castings bonded assemblies additive manufacturing and electromechanical assemblies.
Experience supporting environmental qualification testing for ruggedized products including standards such as MIL-STD-810 RTCA DO-160 and other applicable aerospace or defense qualification requirements.
Working knowledge of applicable industry standards such as IPC ASME SAE MIL-STD RTCA DO-160 and related aerospace and defense specifications.
Excellent written verbal and presentation communication skills.
Ability to prioritize competing demands while supporting multiple concurrent programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
Experience with phased array antenna systems RF electronics packaging avionics tactical communication systems or defense electronics.
Experience supporting EMI/EMC vibration shock temperature humidity ingress protection and other environmental qualification campaigns.

$127000 - $153000 a year

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health dental vision HSA FSA life disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Manager

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