Engineering Manager - Electronic Systems

The Electronics Systems Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development, integration, and delivery of complex electronic and embedded systems throughout the product lifecycle. This role provides both technical leadership and people leadership, ensuring that system requirements, architecture, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and verification activities are aligned to deliver high-quality, reliable, and compliant products.

Working across multiple engineering disciplines, the Electronics Systems Engineering Manager drives collaboration between systems, hardware, software, test, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to translate customer and business requirements into executable engineering solutions. The role is accountable for establishing engineering processes, managing technical risks, developing organizational capability, and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

In addition to overseeing project execution, the Electronics Systems Engineering Manager develops engineering talent, establishes technical roadmaps, and ensures adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices. Success in this role requires strong systems thinking, technical expertise in electronic product development, leadership skills, and the ability to balance strategic objectives with operational execution.

The position serves as a key link between engineering teams, program leadership, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring that electronics systems are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with performance, quality, and reliability expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership: Oversees and directs a team of engineering professionals to achieve short term operational objectives and maintain high performance standards.

Performance Management: Conducts performance appraisals, manages hiring and termination processes, and implements training and development programs to enhance team skills.

Operational Planning: Develops and adapts departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges, ensuring the achievement of financial and operational goals.

Technical Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves technical and operational issues, considering their broader impact on the department and implementing effective solutions.

Cross Department Collaboration: Partners with other departments to integrate engineering initiatives with overall business objectives, ensuring seamless operational synergy.

Key Skills:

Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to lead and inspire engineering teams to achieve strategic and operational goals.

People Management: Expertise in hiring, training, performance evaluations, and employee development to build a high performing team.

Strategic Planning: Skilled in developing and adapting short term operational plans to meet organizational objectives.

Business Acumen: Understands how engineering functions integrate with overall business operations to drive success.

Technical Expertise: Provides advanced technical guidance and support to team members and stakeholders.

Problem Solving: Capable of identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex technical and operational issues effectively.

Financial Management: Manages budgets and financial resources to ensure the achievement of financial and operational targets.

Decision Making: Makes informed and policy driven decisions to navigate operational challenges and opportunities.

Interpersonal Influence: Effectively guides and influences team members and other stakeholders to adopt new perspectives and approaches.

Adaptability: Adjusts departmental plans and priorities in response to changing resources and operational demands.

Successful candidates typically have:

a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field

8+ years of relevant experience

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.