Laars Heating Systems Company is seeking a Director of Engineering to provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing current and new product strategies and initiatives. Responsibilities include executive leadership of the technology assessment, industry codes and standards, product design, development, testing activities and personnel for new product and sustaining engineering functions. This position directs the planning and implementation of Engineering programs and projects in accordance with the mission, core values, and purposes of the company.

Responsibilities:

• Leads and manages the entire engineering department, overseeing resources, staffing, and the enhancement and maintenance of a first-class team of Engineers, Designers, and Laboratory Technicians.
• Ensures proper staffing of engineering positions and functions; actively reviews the technical readiness of engineering teams; conducts periodic performance and compensation reviews.
• Oversees the management and execution of key engineering development and sustaining engineering programs, project plans and delivery commitments.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of engineering policies, standards and processes including stage gate protocols for engineering review and acceptance.
• Key participation with product management team to develop/maintain new product roadmap, product development processes, patent portfolio, technology roadmap, etc.
• Conceives, proposes and executes an on-going plan for product cost/functional/quality improvement and value engineering initiatives; establishes formal projects and performs regular progress reporting to senior management.
• Oversees the organization of activities for the design, development and release to production of engineered products necessary to ensure fulfillment of functional specifications and time-to-market objectives.
• Oversees the representation of Laars Heating Systems in the relevant industrial areas of codes and standards, product certification, and relevant technical committees.
• Leads the development of long-term technology acquisition and development relevant to the future of the business

Education Requirement:

BS in Mechanical Engineering; MS/PhD preferred

Experience/Skills Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience directing a full product Engineering team, preferably in a similar product or industry
• Proven track record of successful project work in areas of new technology adoption and product development/deployment
• Successful track record building/retaining strong and technically capable engineering teams
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; effective presenter; poised and comfortable with Senior Leadership
• Deep knowledge of one or more Engineering disciplines such as Design, Development or Sustaining Engineering
• Deep understanding of product marketing principles and market-driven engineering strategies
• Comfort with conceptual/strategic thinking and processes; demonstrates creativity and bias for innovation
• Strong inter-organizational and cross functional networking skills
• Outstanding engagement/interpersonal skills; extensive experience managing effective key customer and supplier relationships
• Previous Quality Management function is preferred