Director of Engineering

Key Responsibilities

Lead the engineering strategy, priorities, and execution for new product development, product maintenance, and technical support activities across the Hustler Turf portfolio. Direct engineering teams in the design, development, validation, and launch of commercial and residential turf equipment from concept through production release.

Partner with project and program management resources to establish development plans, monitor schedules, manage risk, and ensure timely execution of new product introductions. Provide engineering leadership in product planning discussions and contribute technical insight to product roadmaps, platform strategies, and innovation priorities.

Drive product improvement, value engineering, and cost-reduction initiatives to meet margin, material, and lifecycle performance objectives. Lead the Engineering Change Request (ECR) and Engineering Change Notice (ECN) processes to ensure disciplined product updates, documentation control, and cross-functional alignment.

Oversee engineering support for manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and service teams to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturability and field performance. Manage and develop engineering leaders and team members through performance management, coaching, succession planning, and organizational design.

Provide oversight of prototype shop and test lab activities, including resource planning, equipment needs, testing priorities, and safe operating practices. Collaborate with legal and other internal stakeholders on intellectual property matters, including patent-related support where applicable. Manage department budgets, capital planning, engineering inventory, and external engineering or supplier resources as required.

Represent engineering in executive and cross-functional forums, helping align product development priorities with commercial strategy, dealer network needs, and operational capabilities. May be required to provide technical evidence, documentation, or testimony as needed in support of business or legal matters. Play a key role in determining internal and external testing and compliance needs and capital investments needed to fulfill those needs.

Participate in all Phase Gate reviews and represent engineering in the signoff at each milestone. Perform other duties of comparable complexity as business needs and strategies evolve.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred. Advanced degree in engineering, business, or a related field preferred. Experience Eight to ten years of progressive leadership experience managing engineering functions in a manufacturing environment required.

Experience in outdoor power equipment, heavy equipment, automotive, agricultural equipment, or other durable goods industries preferred. Demonstrated success leading new product development, product improvement, and cross-functional execution in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong leadership, team development, and organizational management skills.

Deep understanding of mechanical design principles, product development processes, and manufacturing support requirements. Working knowledge of CAD/CAE tools, design validation methods, and systems commonly used in turf or mobile equipment applications, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems. Strong program and project management capability, including schedule management, prioritization, and risk mitigation.

Financial and business acumen, including budget management, cost optimization, and value engineering. Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical and business information to senior leadership.

Proficiency with standard business software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentation tools. Working Conditions Office environment and regular interaction with production, prototype shop, and test lab environments. Travel required as needed to support suppliers, field testing, manufacturing sites, dealers, or customer activities.

Ability to safely operate or evaluate prototype and production equipment as required. Physical Requirements This role may require a combination of office-based and field-based physical activity, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, keyboard use, and occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling in support of product reviews, testing, and prototype evaluation.

Specific physical demands should be assessed in accordance with business needs and applicable job evaluation practices. Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Responsibilities

may change based on business needs.