Okay, I've searched for full-time engineering manager roles in St Louis, MO, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, and at least 8 years of experience. I have found 47 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The F-22 Mission Systems Design & Test Manager role at Boeing is fundamentally about leadership at the intersection of advanced aerospace engineering and software development, specifically focused on the F-22 aircraft's mission systems. This individual is hired to oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for designing, testing, and analyzing complex electronic and electrical systems integral to the aircraft’s operational capabilities. Success in this position hinges on the ability to balance technical expertise with people management — leading engineers through the entire lifecycle of system development, from requirements architecture to execution of rigorous testing protocols. The emphasis on both design and test illustrates the need for a candidate who understands how to translate system specifications into functional, reliable software integrated into hardware, ensuring mission readiness and compliance with stringent defense standards. Given Boeing’s stature and the classified nature of the work, having an active Secret Security Clearance and a demonstrated ability to manage sensitive projects is critical. The role demands excellent communication and stakeholder management skills due to extensive cross-functional coordination with customers, suppliers, and various internal teams, reflecting a complex organizational environment. Anticipated challenges include navigating evolving system requirements, managing resource constraints, and maintaining high technical standards while progressing schedules in a highly regulated and safety-critical industry. Early indications of success would be a cohesive, motivated engineering team delivering on project milestones with quality and compliance, applying continuous process improvements, and fostering strong partnerships internally and externally.

Company Analysis:

Boeing, as a preeminent aerospace and defense leader with a global footprint, operates in a high-stakes, innovation-driven industry with strong commitments to safety, integrity, and quality. Its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) division, specifically the Fighters organization, embodies a mission-critical segment delivering cutting-edge military technologies like the F-22. This environment is highly regulated and demands precision—both in product and in workplace conduct—underpinned by a culture valuing professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Boeing’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability highlights a progressive and mission-aligned culture, but the requirement for 100% onsite presence reveals a need for deep in-person collaboration and secure handling of classified work. Within this context, the F-22 Mission Systems Design & Test Manager will hold a visible, influential role that bridges engineering excellence with leadership, contributing directly to Boeing’s strategic goal of maintaining technological superiority in next-generation fighter aircraft. The organizational setting is likely layered and matrixed, demanding not just technical skill but political and interpersonal savvy to manage suppliers, internal stakeholders, and government partners. The role’s strategic value is high—it supports sustaining and evolving a flagship defense platform—meaning the hire is expected to drive operational rigor while enabling innovation within a traditionally complex and high-compliance aerospace ecosystem. For a candidate, thriving here means embracing Boeing’s values, juggling technical depth with leadership acumen, and thriving in a dynamic, mission-driven atmosphere where impact is tangible and highly visible.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to lead a cross-functional engineering team through a challenging project. How did you ensure alignment and meet deadlines?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you had to manage conflicting priorities between technical quality and project schedule. How did you handle it?
• Behavioral: Share an example of how you motivated and developed a team of engineers during a period of significant change or stress.
• Behavioral: Can you discuss a situation where you had to build relationships with external suppliers or stakeholders to achieve a technical goal?
• Technical: How would you approach developing system requirements and architecture for a mission-critical aircraft software system?
• Technical: Explain your process for preparing and executing testing for complex aerospace mission systems. What methodologies or tools have you found effective?
• Technical: What considerations are most important when managing electrical and electronic engineering activities within a highly regulated defense environment?
• Technical: How do you ensure continuous process improvement and quality assurance within your engineering team?
• Situational: Imagine a key subsystem fails testing late in the development cycle. How would you lead your team to diagnose and resolve the issue while minimizing schedule impact?
• Situational: If a stakeholder requests a change that could significantly increase risk or delay, how would you manage this request?
• Situational: You notice a drop in team morale during rigorous testing phases. What steps would you take to re-engage and support your team?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in managing mission systems on the F-22 program specifically at Boeing?
• Company Fit: How do you see your leadership style aligning with Boeing’s values of safety, quality, and integrity?
• Company Fit: Boeing emphasizes collaboration across diverse teams and partners. How have you fostered inclusive, productive environments in your past roles?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest current technical challenges the F-22 Mission Systems team is facing?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Boeing support professional growth and development within this role and team?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe how this manager’s role interacts with other departments and key stakeholders within the F-22 program?