What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Engineering position at Unitech Composites?
Director of Engineering – Aerospace & Defense (Composites)
Location: Hayden, Idaho
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Vice President & General Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Director of Engineering to lead our engineering organization in the design, development, and production of advanced composite structures for aerospace and defense applications. This individual will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring successful introduction of new products into production while maintaining strict quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
This role is within our Unitech Composites, Aerospace & Defense division. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing engineering activities related to the design, development, qualification, and production of advanced composite structures. This role requires demonstrated expertise in composite materials and manufacturing, coupled with a proven ability to lead high-performing engineering teams in the execution of complex aerospace and defense programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers focused on the development of complex aerospace products, from conceptual design and development through validation, qualification and production readiness.
- Establish engineering priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with company strategy and program goals.
- Ensure the right people and skills in the right place to drive rapid development and manufacturing
Assist in the development of high-level project plans to achieve engineering and project goals and assign roles and responsibilities to accountable engineering personnel.
Composites Engineering
- Oversee advanced composite development, analysis, build and qualification for aerospace and defense applications.
- Partner with manufacturing to optimize processes, reduce cycle times, and improve cost efficiency.
Drive continuous improvement in composite fabrication technologies, materials, and methods.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead the transition of new designs from R&D into production, ensuring manufacturability, scalability, and quality.
- Collaborate with supply chain and operations to establish robust production readiness plans.
- Qualification & Compliance
- Develop, implement and manage engineering processes including design, development, release process and other controls.
- Manage qualification test programs to meet customer, industry, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, DoD, NASA).
Ensure engineering deliverables comply with all applicable aerospace and defense standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with program management and operations to support customer engagements and provide technical solutions to meet customer needs.
- Support business development and executive teams in the development of technical proposals and review of estimates, program implementation, and revenue forecasts.
- Provide technical leadership during customer reviews, audits, and milestone events.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; Master's preferred.
- 12 years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace/defense, with at least 5 years in engineering leadership roles.
- Deep expertise in composite design, analysis, and manufacturing processes.
- Proven track record of managing engineering teams and introducing new products into production.
- Experience leading qualification programs for aerospace or defense products.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace standards, certification, and defense compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Background in both military and commercial aerospace programs.
- Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR, and defense contracting requirements.
- Experience working with government agencies and prime contractors.
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to lead cutting-edge programs in aerospace and defense.
- Be at the forefront of composite innovation.
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture with growth potential.
Salary : $120,000 - $250,000