Research and Development Engineering Manager

Role details

Research & Development Engineering Manager

Aerospace & Defense | Reno, NV Metro Area

$123,300–$185,000 DOE | 4-Day Workweek | Fridays Off | 100% Employer-Paid Employee Medical

Lead Aerospace Innovation. Enjoy a Life Outside of Work.

*Imagine leading groundbreaking aerospace R&D projects* , *developing next-generation technologies* , and having *a three-day weekend*

*every single week*

.

Come work for an *established, family-owned aerospace manufacturer* in Northern Nevada to find an innovative, hands-on

R&D Engineering Manager

.

This company has earned its reputation by *solving complex assembly challenges* for the aerospace, defense, and space industries.

Now they're looking for an engineering leader who can turn emerging technologies into real-world products, develop talented technical teams, and help shape the company's future.

And the location? Jjust a short drive to Lake Tahoe, world-class skiing, hiking, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Plus, Nevada has

no individual state income tax

.

If this interests you, “

*Apply Now*

”!

Compensation & Benefits

• $123,300–$185,000 base salary

, depending on experience

• 4-day workweek with Fridays and weekends off!
• 100% employer-paid medical insurance for employees
• Dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, PTO, tuition assistance and professional development
• Approximately 80% employee retention
• Family-owned culture with a history of no layoffs, including during COVID
• Long-term career growth in aerospace and defense

We're looking for a true R&D leader who enjoys creating something new.

This isn't a position focused solely on managing projects or improving existing manufacturing processes. You'll guide research, experimentation, product development, and technology innovation from early concepts through testing, qualification, and commercialization. Your team will explore advanced adhesives, thermoplastics, laser surface preparation, surface analysis, mechanical fastening, and other emerging technologies that can transform aerospace assembly.

What You'll Lead

• Innovation & Technology Strategy:

Develop R&D roadmaps, identify emerging technologies, and turn promising ideas into practical solutions.

• New Product Development:

Lead research, experimentation, prototyping, testing, validation, qualification, and commercialization.

• Advanced Materials & Joining:

Drive innovation involving adhesives, bonding, thermoplastics, surface preparation, composites, and mechanical fastening technologies.

• Engineering Leadership:

Mentor and develop multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians.

• Intellectual Property:

Identify patent opportunities, support invention disclosures, and help build a competitive technology portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Sustaining Engineering, Supply Chain, and Sales to bring new technologies into production.

• Customer Partnerships:

Collaborate with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, universities, and technical partners to solve complex engineering challenges.

• R&D Performance:

Manage budgets, resources, laboratories, and project priorities while measuring innovation progress and technology readiness.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• 8–12+ years of progressive R&D experience

in aerospace or advanced manufacturing.

• Proven experience leading and developing engineering or technical teams.
• Hands-on research and new product development experience

, taking concepts through design, prototyping, testing, and validation.

• Strong technical knowledge of advanced materials, joining technologies, adhesives, thermoplastics, surface science, mechanical fasteners, or related technologies.
• Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading complex R&D programs.
• Background in experimental design, qualification, and transitioning new technologies toward commercialization.
• Experience contributing to patents, invention disclosures, or intellectual property development.
• Strong cross-functional leadership, technical problem-solving, and communication skills.

Experience That Will Set You Apart

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Aerospace or defense research and development.
• Structural adhesives, aerospace bonding, or thermoplastic joining.
• Laser surface preparation, surface characterization, or advanced surface treatments.
• Composite structures, aerospace fasteners, or mechanical joining technologies.
• Experience working directly with aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Patent development, IP strategy, and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
• Successfully bringing emerging technologies through aerospace qualifications and into production.

SEO Keywords

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