Director of Propulsion Engineering
Posted on October 24, 2025
Horizon Air is a prominent regional airline known for its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and reliable service in the aviation industry. As a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, Horizon Air has a distinguished reputation for being the recipient of the FAA's prestigious Diamond Award for nearly 20 consecutive years, highlighting its unwavering dedication to maintenance and engineering excellence. The company thrives on a robust safety culture and a 'Ready, SAFE, Go;' mindset that permeates every aspect of its operations, from parts warehouses to maintenance hangars. This mindset ensures that the safety and well-being of both guests and coworkers remain the highest priorities at all times.
The role of Director Propulsion Engineering at Horizon Air is a significant senior leadership position within the Maintenance and Engineering team. This role is pivotal for setting the long-term strategy and overseeing the full financial performance of Horizon Air's propulsion product suite. As a senior technical leader, the Director Propulsion Engineering is responsible for establishing strategic goals, providing direction for a team of engineers, and fostering collaboration across multiple departments, including Strategic Sourcing, Flight Operations, and Materials. This cross-divisional influence is essential to maintain system configurations, champion initiatives related to alterations, repairs, and reliability enhancements, and manage vital contracts involved in the repair cycle.
In addition to these strategic responsibilities, the Director plays a key role in risk management by developing and recommending approaches to oversee propulsion system risks and maintainability measures. Accountable for budget forecasting and execution related to all propulsion products in Horizon Air's fleet, this leader ensures that financial planning aligns with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance needs. The role demands hands-on leadership in shaping team culture through active engagement, reinforcement of desired behaviors, and performance management focusing on strategic and systems thinking.
The Director Propulsion Engineering is also entrusted with the creation and maintenance of critical technical documents such as the Propulsion Management Internal Procedure Manual and propulsion systems maintenance programs. Furthermore, the position involves the oversight of repair contracts, ensuring technical execution aligns with specifications while monitoring and controlling associated budgets. This role requires a dynamic and experienced leader who combines technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration internally and with key external partners.
The position offers a competitive salary range of $147,200 to $228,150 per year, with a total target compensation including bonuses and equity ranging from $193,160 to $298,396. Horizon Air emphasizes fair and unbiased compensation practices alongside a comprehensive benefits package, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. This full-time regular management role is based in Portland, OR, and reflects Horizon Air's ongoing pledge to safety, quality, and leadership in the aviation field.
- 7 years of experience with powerplant or propulsion system engineering
- 4 years of leadership experience, with at least 2 of those years directly leading people
- A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, or an additional 2 years of training/experience in lieu of this degree
- Minimum 2 years of experience with contracts and contract development
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to create collaborative relationships that drive outcomes in the best interest of the company with others in the organization and key external business partners
- Excellent written and verbal communication, influencing and motivational skills
- Demonstrated ability to present information and effectively communicate in front of varying audiences
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum age of 18
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.