Engineering Manager

Location: Binghamton, NY
Pay Range: $144,300 - $176,300

Join a world-class engineering team driving next-generation defense and aerospace solutions. Acara Solutions is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead multidisciplinary teams supporting advanced simulation, training, and mission systems programs in Binghamton, NY.

In this role, you'll guide complex engineering efforts that blend cutting-edge technologies with legacy systems, ensuring seamless performance and mission readiness. You'll play a key leadership role in advancing national defense capabilities, while fostering innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence across all engineering disciplines.

• Lead the full lifecycle of engineering programs - from concept and design through integration, testing, and delivery.

• Drive technical excellence while ensuring projects meet scope, budget, and schedule goals.

• Collaborate with program managers, product owners, and customers to define strategic objectives and deliver mission-critical results.

• Ensure all work complies with defense industry regulations including ITAR, FAR, and cybersecurity standards.

• Champion process improvements and emerging technologies to increase quality, efficiency, and innovation.

• Serve as a customer-facing technical leader, representing engineering to military and government stakeholders.

• Manage and mentor a talented, cross-functional team of engineers.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee project schedules, budgets, and resources to achieve organizational goals.

• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to track progress and ensure success.

• Recruit, coach, and retain top technical talent to strengthen team capabilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Software Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

• 8+ years of engineering experience in the defense or aerospace industry, including 3+ years in a leadership or management role.

• Active DoD Secret Clearance (or higher) granted or renewed within the last five years.

• Proven record managing complex defense or simulation engineering projects.

• Hands-on experience with systems engineering, software development, and hardware integration.

• Strong understanding of defense compliance standards and customer requirements.

• Proficiency in Agile and/or Waterfall methodologies (JIRA, MS Project).

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong risk management and critical-thinking abilities.

• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing high-performing engineering teams.

Here's what you'll get:

Pay: $144,300 - $176,300 / year

Hours: 9x80 hrs /week (1^ST shift)

Length: Direct Placement

Sounds like a good fit?

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About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Electrical or Mechanical or Software.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in the defense or aerospace industry.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role.

Preferred Skills:

• Proven track record of managing complex engineering projects, preferably in simulation, training systems, or defense technology.
• Good understanding of defense industry standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience with systems engineering, software development, and hardware integration in a defense context.
• Familiarity with Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies and tools (JIRA, MS Project).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Good critical thinking and logical reasoning skills with the ability to solve issues and predict potential programmatic and technical risks
• Experience using earned value management systems to manage a team's cost and schedule performance.
• Demonstrated mentoring and coaching skills, and excellent 2-way communication skills (upward and downward).
• Time management and organizational skills to prioritize concurrent programs and functional responsibilities.
• Proven ability to recruit top talent

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be needed to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the necessary employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.