Director of Design Engineering

**Must be willing to relocate to the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa, AL Area**

Summary

The duties of this job require a high degree of specialized expertise and skill in maintaining established standards of quality and accuracy. Drive, determination and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results that meet these established criteria are necessary for successful job performance. The job environment is structured and job expectations are clear. While the pace of the work is faster than average, quality is never compromised. The focus of communication and organizational relationships is based on technical expertise. The work requires specialized technical problem solving and ingenuity while working within approved organizational systems and technology, and the demonstration of the values of integrity, quality and caution. New ideas and concepts are also important but will be carefully analyzed and tested before communication and adoption. If the job involves managing others, there is a need for someone who can exercise the necessary authority to assure policies and procedures are followed and time frames are met. At the same time, it will be necessary to give subordinates structured opportunity to develop their own expertise and capability for quality work to assure effective delegation and shared responsibility for work output. It is expected that coaching and training support for achieving effective delegation will be required. The position encompasses a defined span of control and opportunity for someone who engenders trust, demonstrates a sense of urgency and assures consistent achievement of quality standards. The work requires making decisions that support company guidelines authoritatively and quickly.

Job Characteristics

• Varied activities Multiple, simultaneous projects Fast-paced environment
• Technical, analytical focus Work within established standards and guidelines Expertise-based problem solving
• Authoritative, quick decision making within defined span of control Based on accepted quality standards, policies and procedures Important to also train others to make correct decisions
• Communication is task based, technically oriented Team roles are clearly defined Need for collaboration is minimal, when necessary, it is focused on specific tasks or problems
• Leadership based on specialty expertise Directive leadership to assure quality standards are met Delegation infrequently required, and when required, close follow-up is essential

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate Design Engineering Team’s activities and assignments to manage Team Member’s workload and maximize efficiency
• Review and manage work orders to ensure work is flowing in the proper and efficient manners
• Assist, manage and coach Design Engineers through difficult or unique issues
• Collaborate with project managers and other teams to assist in the planning of large projects or complex-scope items
• Develop systems and processes that track and optimize productivity and standards, metrics, and performance targets to ensure projects are running on time and in budget
• Works closely with project managers and customers to determine and collaborate on schedule and job flow
• Supports the Production Team by ensuring project information is released and interpreted accurately for timely product delivery
• Provides oversight for maintaining or bettering Project budgets for materials
• Performs critical oversight functions for the company
• Find ways to increase efficiency, productivity, and throughput
• Will be in direct contact with other managers to improve workflows and minimize points of friction
• Good communication is required
• Foresight is required
• Attention to detail is required
• Perform backup functions for Design Engineers in their absence.
• Share a trusting relationship with the workgroup and recruit, manage, and develop project managers
• Ability to create accountability and lead by example .
• Miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Education

• Four-year degree, or higher, from a technical school, college or university is required
• Relevant experience can be considered as an equivalent to a degree

Experience

• Seven or more years’ experience within the woodworking, manufacturing, or construction industry is preferred
• Extensive prior experience in and strong business knowledge of the construction and woodworking industry required.
• AutoCAD experience is required 
• CabinetVision/Microvellum experience is required 

Computer Requirements

• This role requires a high level of proficiency in each of the following software programs: 

• Shop Drawing creation & Material Assignments - Microvellum
• Architectural Drawings & Reviews - Bluebeam 
• Material Information Sheets – Microsoft Word 
• Internet Software – Google Chrome 
• Communication & File Storage – Microsoft Teams 
• Email Communications – Microsoft Outlook 
• Material Takeoffs - Innergy 

*Innergy & Bluebeam training available

Language & Mathematical Skills

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, employees, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Strong ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; mentally, hand-and-paper, and calculator.
• Strong ability to compute rates, ratios, percentages, variances, margins, markups.
• Ability to think in 3D regarding millwork, trim and details.  

• Familiarity with basic orthographic drawing styles and applications, including but not limited to  plans, elevations, vertical cut sections, horizontal cut sections and enlarged details.  
• Analytical skills for calculating material usage based on technical shop drawings 
• Ability to be a leader in the team by setting an example to others and help with training efforts 

• Strong knowledge and application of geometry.