Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

This position necessitates an engineering leader in manufacturing who can address immediate production issues while enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of the company. The ideal candidate will possess recent, hands-on experience in CNC manufacturing, process development, programming, troubleshooting, tooling and fixture design, and solving shop floor problems.

Additionally, the individual will play a pivotal role in leading the development of the engineering team and driving manufacturing transformation through practical automation, digital tools, and integration of AI. This role requires active technical leadership with regular presence on the manufacturing floor.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead the structuring of new work, encompassing manufacturing routings, operation sequences, setup requirements, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.

• Offer direct technical assistance for CNC programming, optimal setup, machining challenges, and resolution of issues.

• Oversee the design, development, selection, and implementation of tooling and fixtures.

• Collaborate with machinists, programmers, production leaders, and quality personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges.

• Enhance cycle times, tool life, process capability, throughput, and consistency in manufacturing.

• Support new product introduction and the seamless transition of new work into stable, repeatable production.

• Ensure that manufacturing processes align with drawing, tolerance, quality, and customer requirements.

Manufacturing Transformation & Technology

• Develop and execute a practical plan for modernizing manufacturing engineering and CNC operations.

• Lead the digitalization of CNC operations, including machine connectivity, data collection, program management, and digital work instructions.

• Identify and implement automation and AI solutions to enhance engineering efficiency, troubleshooting, process monitoring, and manufacturing performance.

• Evaluate new equipment, software, tooling, and manufacturing technologies based on operational necessities and quantifiable business value.

• Transform improvement initiatives into sustainable outcomes through implementation, training of employees, and fostering adoption.

Engineering Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and cultivate the engineering team while actively participating in technical tasks.

• Establish clear priorities that strike a balance between daily production support and long-term improvement projects.

• Enhance engineering standards, documentation, change control, and sharing of knowledge.

• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, and company leadership to tackle capacity, delivery, cost, and quality challenges.

• Monitor results using metrics such as cycle time, scrap, rework, throughput, downtime, and on-time delivery.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive manufacturing engineering experience in a CNC machining environment, with recent, direct involvement in technical issue resolution.

• Demonstrated ability to structure new work and develop manufacturing processes from engineering drawings through production.

• Proficiency in CNC programming, machining practices, cutting tools, workholding, and fixture design.

• Capability to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges directly on the shop floor and guide practical corrective measures.

• Experience in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and intricate manufacturing requirements.

• Proven track record in leading manufacturing enhancements with measurable operational outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience in implementing digital manufacturing tools, CNC connectivity, automation, or related initiatives for modernization.

• Hands-on experience in evaluating or implementing AI applications in manufacturing or engineering processes.

• Experience in leading and developing technical teams while retaining hands-on engineering involvement.

• Strong skills in communication, project execution, and cross-functional leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or another precision manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of CAD/CAM systems, ERP/MRP platforms, manufacturing execution systems, and machine monitoring tools.

• Experience in supporting capital equipment selection, installation, and production ramp-up.

• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

What Success Looks Like

• Immediate credibility with the engineering team and manufacturing floor by making direct technical contributions.

• Swift resolution of CNC, tooling, fixture, and process challenges.

• Establishment of dependable manufacturing methods and seamless introduction of new work.

• Measurable enhancements in productivity, quality, and delivery.

• Effective adoption of digital manufacturing and AI tools addressing genuine operational needs.

• A robust engineering team capable of supporting current production and future expansion.