What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Engineering position at Berkner Group?
Vice President of Engineering
Location: Midwest U.S. (On-site preferred, relocation available)
Travel: 30–50%, including international travel
Company Overview
We are a sustainability-focused industrial company transforming waste streams into high-value materials for manufacturing and industrial applications. Our mission is to advance circular economy solutions across multiple industries through innovative, scalable processing technologies. As we continue to expand operations, we are seeking a Vice President of Engineering to lead process optimization, technology scale-up, and engineering execution across a growing infrastructure footprint.
Role Overview
The Vice President of Engineering will lead the engineering organization, overseeing plant design, process automation, and technology scale-up initiatives. This role requires a strategic, execution-oriented leader who can establish disciplined engineering processes, collaborate cross-functionally with operations and external partners, and ensure the successful delivery of capital projects. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in industrial engineering, chemical processing environments, and high-temperature industrial operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of structured engineering processes to support scalable operations
- Oversee plant design, process optimization, and industrial automation initiatives to improve efficiency and scalability
- Manage the design and construction of new facilities while optimizing performance at existing plants
- Partner with EPC firms, vendors, and internal stakeholders to drive successful project execution
- Support plant commissioning efforts, troubleshoot operational challenges, and improve plant performance
- Drive automation and process control improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
- Ensure engineering projects are delivered on time and within budget
- Build and mentor a high-performing engineering organization focused on accountability and operational excellence
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, finance, and executive leadership to align engineering strategy with business goals
Required Qualifications
- 15–20 years of engineering leadership experience, including prior senior engineering leadership within a scaling industrial or manufacturing environment
- Proven track record overseeing chemical plant design, high-temperature processing applications, or comparable industrial operations
- Hands-on experience managing both brownfield and greenfield projects
- Expertise in process automation, industrial controls, and operational efficiency initiatives
- Strong background partnering with EPC firms and managing large-scale capital projects
- Experience optimizing plant yield, uptime, and throughput with a focus on scalability and cost efficiency
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams
- Strategic, mission-driven mindset with a passion for industrial innovation and sustainability
Why Join Us?
- Lead engineering strategy and execution for a rapidly growing industrial sustainability company
- Work on innovative industrial processes driving next-generation circular economy solutions
- Competitive compensation package including performance incentives and equity participation
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in industrial sustainability and advanced manufacturing
Berkner Group has been retained to execute this search. If you were contacted by Berkner Group, please reply to the person who contacted you. If you are applying to a job posting, please email your resume and a brief introduction to careers@berknergroup.com. Please include your name and the title for this position (“[Your Name] - Bolder Industries - VP of Engineering”) in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you!