Director of Engineering

Position Summary Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Engineering is responsible for leading the business in the pursuit of continued growth, profitability, and the achievement of commitments to the customers.

This highly visible position requires an accomplished leader, who will have strategic and day to day responsibility for the engineering functions of the business. Development and implementation of product line strategies that meet current and future market needs, while achieving sustainable quarter over quarter improvements in quality, cost and on-time delivery by advancing innovation in product design, manufacturing process, and manufacturing technology. Direct reports include manufacturing engineers and Co op/Interns.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Champion of safety and compliance throughout organization.
• Drive results for plant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including quality, cost, delivery, and new product introduction.
• Directs department activities to design new products, modify existing designs, improve production techniques, and develop test procedures.
• Manages and directs the timely execution of projects, from inception to completion.
• Leads and advises teams, gathering and analyzing manufacturing process to identify key issues and bringing corrective action, to drive toward Company objectives.
• Technical problem solving, with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Identifying, investigating and implementing innovation technology solutions.
• Development and management of design changes and/or upgrades.
• Provide training and direction in the development and implementation of production and process improvements through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Create an innovative team culture and passion of continuous improvement.
• Provides direction and example for interpretation and application of company policies and procedures to the engineering activities.
• Drives and supports continuous improvement initiatives, supporting strategic and operational initiatives.
• Participates in annual strategic budgeting and planning process, with department budgeting responsibility.
• Supports manufacturing and other departments as an internal customer.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

• Safety Incidents
• Quality Incidents – Scrap/Re-Work and Returns
• On-Time Delivery
• Cost
• Operating Working Capital
• Effectiveness of interpersonal communications and the ability to establish and maintain the trust and respect of customers, management, and employees.
• Maintains the integrity of confidential business information, conducts business ethically.

Required Skills

• Proven analytical, problem solving, and process improvement ability
• Proven Leadership – strong product development and manufacturing process excellence management experience ready to take it to the next level in your career.
• Solid Collaboration skills - working with multiple disciplines internal and external.
• Strategic thinker – Experienced putting together strategy for future product developments and manufacturing processes; skill assessment and resource planning; knows how to prepare presentations to business leaders for approval.
• Ability to apply lean manufacturing methodology, TOC, and problem-solving skills to drive the business improvements in a metric-driven environment.
• Design for Manufacturing.
• Use of simulation in design.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, relentlessly execute and deliver results through a team in conformance with action plans in a fast-paced, high volume manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• Computer literate, particularly in spreadsheet; presentation; MRP; Simulation and CAD programs.
• Supplier interactions and visits.
• Attention to detail and possession of excellent problem solving and organizational skills.

Desired Skills

• Highly organized, self-motivated individual who can work independently as well as work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to apply lean and engineering principles in a fast-paced machining environment.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma and Statistical Process Control
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Proven leadership in Fasteners, Aerospace, or Automotive type Industry

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSME, BSEE) or other related technical degree. Advanced degree preferred.
• More than 7 years of progressive hands-on manufacturing engineering leadership experience.
• Proven track record of driving engineering results in a Machining environment.
• Experience leading people and obtaining results through others, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.