Director, engineering

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Engineering based in United States.

The Director, Engineering will lead a multi-site engineering organization across North America, overseeing new product introduction, product and process engineering, manufacturing engineering, tooling, automation, and technical support. This strategic leadership role will drive engineering excellence across aerospace manufacturing and component repair operations, ensuring consistent standards, scalable processes, and strong technical capabilities. Working closely with regional and global leadership, you will shape technology roadmaps, guide investment priorities, and develop high-performing engineering teams. You will also play a key role in improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance while supporting customer requirements and business growth. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineering leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, operational discipline, and a passion for talent development.

Accountabilities

• Establish and lead a scalable regional engineering organization with clear accountability across new product introduction (NPI), product engineering, process engineering, tooling, special processes, automation, and technical support.
• Provide technical leadership for new product introductions, reviewing and improving manufacturing process plans, production sequences, CNC strategies, grinding methods, tooling, workholding, inspection plans, equipment selection, and production-readiness assumptions.
• Develop and implement standardized engineering methods, technical practices, and operating procedures across regional facilities in alignment with global engineering initiatives.
• Build, coach, and retain a high-performing, inclusive engineering organization, establishing clear career paths, succession plans, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee regional resource planning, technical risk management, program reviews, customer escalations, performance management, and talent-related decisions.
• Partner with program management and commercial teams to develop technical estimates, milestone plans, risk assessments, and customer-facing project updates.
• Ensure NPI readiness reviews address technical maturity, manufacturability, process qualification, tooling, materials, special-process controls, employee training, capacity, quality requirements, and customer approvals.
• Define and manage the regional engineering operating model, technology roadmap, capability development priorities, and investment governance.
• Lead manufacturing excellence, technology, and automation initiatives to improve yield, first-pass quality, throughput, cycle times, labor productivity, and operating costs through structured problem-solving and lean methodologies.
• Maintain engineering quality, compliance, and technical governance, ensuring methods and technical data meet applicable customer, regulatory, quality-system, and special-process requirements, including AS9100, NADCAP, and FAA or EASA requirements where applicable.
• Lead technical escalations involving persistent quality issues, yield, process stability, supplier performance, repair outcomes, and customer risk.
• Represent regional engineering capabilities in discussions with customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and strategic partners, supporting business growth through engineering-led solutions.
• Champion corporate engineering initiatives and manage strategic technical relationships and participation in technical consortiums.
• Travel regularly across regional and international locations as needed to support facilities, customers, suppliers, program milestones, and leadership reviews.

Requirements:

• At least 10 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace, gas turbines, precision manufacturing, or another highly engineered manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managers across multiple sites, with a track record of developing talent and delivering measurable business results.
• Experience directing technical activities across multiple manufacturing facilities and influencing stakeholders within a matrix organization.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, metallurgical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, supported by sound engineering judgment and a structured approach to continuous improvement.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to engage effectively with executive leaders, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to translate business priorities into engineering strategies, technical roadmaps, investment plans, and operational improvements.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality systems, regulatory requirements, manufacturing processes, and applicable special-process standards.
• Strong leadership, coaching, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to build accountability and develop future engineering leaders.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within North America and internationally as business needs require.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in engineering or business.

Important eligibility consideration:

The position may involve access to technology or information controlled under U.S. export regulations. Employment may therefore be contingent on documentation review and, where required, obtaining an export license. Authorization requirements and timelines may affect eligibility and the start date.

Benefits:

• Salary range: $140,000–$218,000 USD.
• Work arrangement: Remote, with the original posting specifying a U.S.-based remote role and up to 50% travel. Candidates based in Canada should confirm geographic eligibility with the hiring team.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions for eligible medical plan participants.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Retirement savings: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and professional development.
• Employee discounts and work-life support resources.
• Additional voluntary coverage, including accident, critical illness, and pet insurance.

Benefits vary according to employment status, position, location, and applicable plan requirements.