Sensata

Engineering Manager, Motors and Actuators

Vista, CA Full time
The Engineering Manager will lead a high-performing design engineering team developing brushless DC (BLDC) motors and voice coil actuators (VCA) for demanding Aerospace & Defense applications. Own the design portfolio, talent strategy, and execution discipline across concept, detailed design, prototyping, qualification, and production support. Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Program Management, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver differentiated, reliable, and certifiable motion solutions that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

This role blends people leadership, technical depth, and program execution, with accountability for NPI/NPD throughput, design quality, on-time delivery, and cost/weight/power targets.

General Responsibilities
• Manages the development of our products for new and existing customers
• Continuous coaching and development of team
• Administrates the efficient and effective planning and organization of the activities to timely deliver product or design with highest quality
• Translate customer requirements to the product test strategy and oversee design and product validation programs
• Manages involvement in projects and problem solving outside of own direct area
• Identifies the next generation of growth opportunities and support the smooth integration of new product developments and plan the roll-out of new technology
• Provide continuous coaching and development of team

Experience / Qualifications
• A university degree required (i.e. Bachelors degree) or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop team members
• Holds self and others accountable to achieving goals and standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to handle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation
• Strong organization, planning and time management skills to achieve results
• Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers

  • Establish engineering excellence: best practices, design standards, templates, design reviews, training, coaching, and succession planning.

  • Drive a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and innovation aligned to Aerospace & Defense rigor. 

  • Own the engineering roadmap for BLDC motors and VCAs—platforms, derivatives, and custom programs—balancing customer demand, manufacturability, and margin. 

  • Resource and sequence programs; ensure phase-gate compliance (e.g., APQP/AS9100), robust planning (risk/mitigation), and on-time, on-budget execution. 

  • Guide and review designs for electromagnetic performance, thermal management, mechanical integrity, reliability, EMI/EMC, and system integration (sensors, controllers, commutation). 

  • Support Sales, Marketing and Program Management on technical proposals, ROMs/BOEs, and customer design reviews; translate voice-of-customer into feasible, competitive architectures. 

This position requires eligibility to obtain authorization under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non-US Persons, as defined in the ITAR and EAR, may not be eligible to obtain authorization.

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Base Salary Range:

$149,400.00 - $205,480.00

At Sensata, our employees are the key to our success and growth.  We recognize that each individual brings their own unique experience, therefore the base salary range information shown above is a general guideline only.  Sensata considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. In addition to base salary, Sensata offers competitive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, along with education reimbursement, wellness programs, a 401(k) retirement plan with Company matching, and a variety of paid time off, such as vacation or flex-time, sick, bereavement, and parental leave. Certain positions are also eligible for short-term incentive and long-term incentive programs.

SmarterTogether

  • Collaborating at Sensata means working with some of the world’s most talented people in an enriching environment that is constantly pushing towards the next best thing

  • Employees work across functions, countries and cultures gaining new perspectives through mutual respect and open communication

  •  As OneSensata, we are working together to make things work together 

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