Head of Engineering

Job Summary:

The Head of Engineering is responsible for leading the Engineering function and contributing to the overall engineering strategy. This role ensures the effective delivery of Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Continuous Improvement initiatives in alignment with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.

Working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Sales, and Executive Leadership, the Head of Engineering drives the development of engineering capabilities, supports strategic technology initiatives, and ensures the successful introduction of new products and manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Engineering function, including Project Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, Machining & Finishing Engineers, Metrology Engineers, and Quality Engineers.
• Ensure the Engineering team has the skills, capabilities, and resources required to support operations and NPI projects.
• Provide leadership and direction to engineering staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Define performance objectives and support professional development within the Engineering team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Establish and maintain engineering processes, procedures, and standards.
• Prepare and manage the Engineering department budget.
• Provide regular performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Identify and escalate risks, issues, or events that may impact business performance.
• Oversee and ensure successful execution of New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Support Operations and project teams with engineering expertise.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.
• Partner with Sales to provide technical input for new business opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering functions.
• Implement performance monitoring systems to track engineering quality and efficiency.
• Promote a culture of innovation, learning, and peer review.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the company's technology roadmap.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies relevant to aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
• Introduce new manufacturing and engineering capabilities using maturity models (e.g., MRL/MCRL).
• Ensure proper documentation and protection of intellectual property and technical knowledge.
• Promote knowledge sharing across cross-functional teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong leadership and team management experience within engineering environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering governance, processes, and performance metrics.
• Experience managing budgets and reporting to senior leadership.
• Ability to identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Aerospace, Defense, or Industrial manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing engineering processes.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as AS9100, ISO9001, and NADCAP.
• Certifications in Quality (e.g., Six Sigma) or Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2).
• Master's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Additional training in Manufacturing Systems, NPI, or Innovation Management is highly desirable.
• 10-12+ years of progressive experience in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or NPI roles.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven track record of introducing new products and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with strategic technology planning and innovation roadmaps.
• Hands-on experience with regulatory and industry standards (AS9100, ISO9001, NADCAP, etc.).

Tools & Systems:

• Engineering and manufacturing systems
• ERP/MRP systems
• Project management tools
• Data analysis and reporting tools