Director of Engineering

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong technical knowledge of product development, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and deliver results. Expertise in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design of Experiments (DOE), Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), quality systems, and structured product development processes.

Strong business acumen, including financial management, budgeting, and resource planning. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build alignment across functions and organizational levels. Ability to lead change, balance competing priorities, and deliver results in a complex environment.

Measures of Success Successful execution of new product development initiatives. Improved product reliability and reduced warranty issues. Strong employee engagement and team development. Achievement of product quality, cost, and timing targets.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred. Master’s degree in Engineering, an MBA, or a related advanced degree preferred. 10–15 years of engineering or product development experience. At least five years of engineering leadership experience. Experience in manufacturing and heavy equipment preferred.

Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in office and manufacturing settings, with regular time spent on the production floor and in engineering, testing, and service areas. May be exposed to noise, moving machinery, dust, temperature variations, and other conditions typical of an industrial manufacturing facility.

Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas. Regularly uses a computer and communicates in person, by telephone, and through virtual meetings. Work may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking. May occasionally bend, reach, climb stairs, and lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Periodic travel to suppliers, customers, field sites, trade events, and other company locations is required, including occasional overnight stays. Extended or flexible hours may be necessary to support business needs, product launches, testing, or urgent technical issues. The Director of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership across all engineering functions, guiding the development, launch, and continuous improvement of safe, reliable, high-quality products that meet customer needs and business objectives.

This leader oversees multidisciplinary teams spanning Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineering, fostering product innovation, technical excellence, cost competitiveness, and team development. Working closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Service, Quality, and Executive Leadership, the Director aligns engineering priorities with company strategy and leads product development from concept through production and ongoing lifecycle support.

Essential Functions

Develop and execute an engineering strategy aligned with corporate objectives and product roadmaps. Lead, coach, and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering teams. Oversee the full product development lifecycle, from concept and design through validation, production launch, and lifecycle support. Drive product innovation, value engineering, and competitive product analysis to improve performance and cost competitiveness.

Establish and maintain robust design validation and product reliability practices. Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve product quality, support manufacturing, and ensure successful product launches. Manage engineering budgets, project portfolios, and resource allocation to achieve quality, cost, and timing targets.

Recruit, develop, and retain engineering talent while fostering engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. Support product safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental initiatives.