Surface Product Development Engineering Manager

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry, celebrating 40 years in 2025! We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Surface PD Engineering Manager!

This is a full-time, on-site position at our Ontario, CA location. Working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Typical pay for this position is $80,000-$90,000 a year. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected.

The Surface PD Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers to deliver high-quality products and systems, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, and technical standards. This role combines technical leadership, people management, and cross-functional coordination to drive execution from concept through production. The Engineering Manager is responsible for team performance, product integrity, and continuous improvement of engineering processes. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative products across industry-leading brands within Horizon Hobby, including Axial, Losi, Pro Boat, and Team Losi Racing (TLR) - helping bring cutting-edge designs to enthusiasts worldwide

Roles/Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development - Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers. Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous growth.
• Project & Program Execution - Oversee engineering activities across multiple projects, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Technical Oversight - Provide guidance on design, architecture, and engineering decisions to ensure robust, scalable, and manufacturable solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with product management, design, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.
• Resource Planning - Allocate team resources effectively, balancing workloads and prioritizing initiatives based on business needs.
• Process Improvement - Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes, tools, and best practices to increase efficiency and product quality.
• Vendor & Partner Management - Oversee external engineering partners and suppliers, ensuring clear communication, quality deliverables, and adherence to timelines.
• Risk Management - Identify technical and program risks early and implement mitigation strategies to minimize impact.
• Performance Management - Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and provide regular feedback to support employee development and organizational success.

Education and/or Experience

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Strategic thinking and execution
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Accountability and results orientation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• Previous 7–10+ years of engineering experience, with 2–5+ years in a leadership or management role
• Strong technical background relevant to the organization (mechanical, electrical, software, etc.)
• Proven experience delivering complex projects from concept through production
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a product development or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and engineering tools
• Experience managing cross-functional, multi-disciplinary teams
• Background in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, etc.)
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks 3D CAD software and PDM vault systems, including data management, revision control, and workflow processes
• Experience with remote control (RC) vehicles, either through personal interest or professional experience

Benefits and other perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time.  In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer