Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. is currently recruiting for the position of Mechanical Engineering Manager.
Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) is a very successful, fast-paced subsidiary of HEICO Corporation, (NYSE: HEI, HEI.A). For more than 60 years, HEICO has thrived by serving segments of the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries by providing innovative and cost-saving products and services. Forbes Magazine has ranked HEICO as one of the 200 "Best Small Companies" and 200 "Hot Shot Stocks".
Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. designs and manufactures the most technologically advanced Infrared (IR) and Electro-Optical (E-O) test instrumentation. SBIR's broad line of innovative products support testing of military and commercial sensor systems for world-wide use in laboratory, production, depot and field test applications. SBIR's high-energy, dynamic culture focuses our Team Members on providing quality products and services to our customers. We provide highly integrated, well-engineered, cost effective hardware and software solutions to the E-O community. In doing so, SBIR has become the preferred supplier to major domestic and international manufacturers of commercial and military E-O sensors and systems.
The Mechanical Engineering Manager will split responsibilities between leading a small team (approximately 25% management) of mechanical engineers and serving as an individual contributor (approximately 75%). This hybrid role is ideal for an experienced mechanical engineer who excels in both technical execution and people leadership, and who is passionate about driving engineering excellence while mentoring and guiding a team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties assigned as necessary.
Management (25%)
- Supervise and mentor a small team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting professional development
- Conduct regular performance reviews, set goals, and facilitate growth opportunities for team members
- Oversee project timelines, resource allocation, and ensure quality standards are met within the team’s deliverables
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g. other engineering groups, quality & manufacturing, and sales) to align project objectives and resolve issues
- Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new engineers as needed
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to internal processes and procedures
Individual Contributor (75%)
- Execute design, analysis, and development of complex mechanical systems and components, from concept through to production
- Serve as the primary mechanical technical expert on assigned projects, performing hands-on engineering work such as CAD modeling, FEA simulations, prototyping, and testing.
- Prepare and review engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, concept presentations and work instructions and ensure accuracy and compliance of this documentation to internal processes and procedures (e.g. ECO process)
- Identify and implement design improvements to optimize performance, cost and manufacturability
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues and challenges through a products lifecycle, collaborating with other disciplines and departments as needed
- Provide work estimates including task breakdown and level of effort for quotes used to generate new business
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum Bachelor's degree (B. S.) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from four-year college or university; and five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience in mechanical engineering design roles, including prior experience as a group manager or technical lead.
- Demonstrated expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and project execution.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience mentoring or guiding other engineers in a technical capacity.
- Ability to work independently and drive projects to completion with minimal supervision.
- Fluency with SolidWorks design and FEA tools (or equivalent CAD tool)
Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.
This position offers many benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, alternate work week schedule, LTD, life insurance and much more.
$150,000/yr. - $200,000/yr. - DOE
EOE
Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 5 to 10 years related experience
- Proven experience in mechanical engineering design roles
- Experience mentoring or guiding other engineers
- Fluency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tool
HEICO Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about HEICO and has not been reviewed or approved by HEICO.
-
Retirement Support — The company maintains a long‑standing 401(k) program with company matching available to nearly all U.S. employees, with matches sometimes delivered in company stock. Official materials indicate broad participation and subsidiary‑level match structures.
-
Flexible Benefits — The package spans medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, life and disability coverage, PTO and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an EAP, and various discounts, with multiple plan choices. Eligibility and specifics can differ by subsidiary.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellness programs such as health fairs, screenings, flu shots, and on‑site classes appear alongside fitness, retail, and entertainment discounts. These offerings complement core coverage and support day‑to‑day wellbeing.
HEICO Insights
What We Do
HEICO Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of aerospace, defense, and electronics related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Flight Support Group (FSG/HEICO Aerospace) and Electronic Technologies Group (ETG). HEICO Aerospace offers jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts. It also involves in manufacturing specialty aircraft/defense related parts; offering thermal insulation blankets primarily for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications; subcontracting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); providing specialty parts as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial OEMs, and the United States government. In addition, this segment distributes hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical components for the aviation markets.
