VP of Engineering

Position Overview

The Vice President of Engineering is responsible for leading the engineering function across product development, manufacturing/sustaining engineering, technical documentation, and production support. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this role drives strategic initiatives, oversees project execution, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering teams across R&D, manufacturing engineering, and project engineering.
• Guide the design and development of new products, including material selection, specifications, and testing.
• Oversee project management processes to ensure timely and budget-conscious delivery.
• Develop and maintain engineering processes aligned with industry standards (e.g., PPAP, Configuration Management).
• Conduct internal and customer-attended design reviews; assess compliance with customer specifications.
• Drive continuous improvement in product and process design to enhance quality and reduce cycle time.
• Provide technical direction and support to procurement, quality assurance, drafting, and production teams.
• Maintain and improve digital databases of drawings and specifications.
• Administer Engineering Test Lab and Prototype Shop operations.
• Ensure engineering analysis of returned products and failures.
• Approve final drawings, specifications, test plans, and engineering orders.
• Plan and manage R&D projects and new product line development.
• Lead efforts in patent acquisition and intellectual property management.
• Develop and track KPIs for engineering performance.
• Hire, train, and evaluate engineering personnel; foster a high-performance culture.
• Ensure compliance with the company’s Code of Conduct and ethics.
• Represent the company with customers and suppliers, providing field support and technical expertise.
• Participate in strategic planning and executive reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering experience in product design and development.
• At least 3 years of engineering management or team leadership experience.
• Experience in aerospace materials, processes, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with ASME/ANSI drawing standards and manufacturing practices.
• Strong background in project management and technical documentation.
• Strategic leadership and technical vision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and mentor engineering talent.
• High ethical standards and integrity.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills.
• Experience with CAD systems and engineering databases.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience in electro-mechanical product design.

Benefits & Perks

• Opportunity to join a growing $60M business as part of the executive team.
• Pathway to higher-level roles within the organization.
• Lucrative stock option program