AI use among architectural and engineering managers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for architectural and engineering managers: 3% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

R&D Engineering Manager St. Paul, MN | Direct-Hire | $150,000-$195,000 | 100% onsite

Konik is partnering with a growing aerospace manufacturing and engineering organization seeking to add an R&D Engineering Manager to lead new product development, certification, and cross-functional engineering initiatives. This organization designs and manufactures highly engineered aviation products used globally across passenger transport, tourism, and specialty aviation applications.

This is a highly visible leadership role overseeing multi-disciplinary engineering teams focused on mechanical, electrical, electronic, and systems engineering development efforts. The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who can balance innovation, execution, regulatory requirements, product development, and team leadership within a highly technical and regulated environment.

R&D Engineering Manager Responsibilities

Lead and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams responsible for research, product development, systems integration, and certification activities

Manage new product development initiatives from concept through production launch and certification

Provide technical leadership and support for complex engineering challenges across mechanical, electrical, systems, and aerospace applications

Partner closely with program management teams to define project scope, schedules, priorities, risks, and technical objectives

Oversee engineering workload planning, staffing priorities, and technical resource allocation across multiple active projects

Support engineering analysis, design reviews, technical evaluations, and product development efforts as needed

Drive continuous improvement related to engineering processes, configuration control, documentation, and product data management

Collaborate with leadership teams to align engineering activities with broader company strategy and operational objectives

Mentor and develop engineering talent while helping build technical capabilities aligned with future product development goals

Support FAA certification activities, regulatory compliance, and technical documentation processes

R&D Engineering Manager Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred

10+ years of engineering or aerospace industry experience

Experience leading new product introductions and complex development programs

Background within aerospace, aviation, or other highly regulated technical industries preferred

Strong understanding of engineering design processes, systems integration, and technical problem-solving methodologies

Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering efforts within fast-paced development environments

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Ability to balance technical depth with project execution, team leadership, and strategic planning

Comfortable operating in both hands-on engineering support and high-level leadership capacities

R&D Engineering Manager Preferred Experience

FAA certification processes and regulatory compliance exposure

Prior engineering leadership or management experience preferred, but not required.

FAA DER credentials

Aerospace manufacturing, aviation systems, or complex engineered product environments

Experience with design reviews, engineering configuration management, and product lifecycle processes

Cross-functional leadership involving mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams

Compensation & Benefits

Bonus potential

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

PTO and paid holidays

Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Collaborative engineering-focused culture with long-term stability and innovation investment

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Konik is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been a leader in the technical staffing industry for more than 50 years, providing the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.