Director, Engineering

Kaman Human Resources • Bennington, VT

8d

About The Position

Oversee the daily activities of the engineering team and the design, development and program management of new and existing engineering projects. This role involves managing a team including manufacturing engineering manager, project engineers, engineering designers, engineering technicians/specialists and engineering interns. The Director of Engineering will design strategies for future development projects, assign engineering staff to design and build projects, and have hands-on project management responsibilities for complex engineering projects. This position interfaces directly with external customers, provides technical support to manufacturing, and establishes engineering policies and procedures. Collaboration with other department leaders and support for bid proposals are key aspects of this role, along with staying updated on new technologies and coordinating with vendors. The Director will also manage the engineering department’s budget, present progress reports to senior management, provide coaching and performance appraisals, ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations, and identify professional development opportunities for team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Composites, Material Science or a related field.
• Significant Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Finite Element Method (FEM) experience, preferably using Abaqus software.
• Ten years related work experience in an engineering field with a minimum of five years of leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in creating strategic plans and overseeing execution.
• Strong computer skills and be able to use the hardware and software required for the position.
• Design experience using a 3-D CAD system, preferably with Solid Works and CATIA.
• Experience working in a company where regulatory compliance to ISO900, AS9100, Nadcap and ITAR was required.
• Program and project management skills and experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Experience in scheduling and allocating work to team members.
• Ability to provide work estimates on the time required from conceptualization through fabrication of a project.
• Excellent written, verbal, listening, interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented
• Team oriented
• Able to communicate in a manner that is friendly, open and courteous

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Experience in Structural Analysis of Composite or Aerospace parts.
• Manufacturing experience in composites or a related field, preferably in an autoclave processing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily activities of the engineering team including manufacturing engineering manager, project engineers, engineering designers, engineering technicians/specialists and engineering interns.
• Design strategies for future development projects based on the company’s overall objectives and resources
• Assigns engineering staff to design and build projects including all aspects of conceptualization, CAD modeling and design, structural analysis, drawing development, qualification process, bill of materials, compliance for test plan, tool design and transition into production.
• Will have hands-on project management responsibilities for more complex engineering projects.
• Interfaces directly with external customers through program management and technical responsibilities.
• Provides technical support to manufacturing to ensure that products are built and delivered to the company’s quality and regulatory standards.
• Establish and implement engineering policies, standards, and procedures
• Work with program managers to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget
• Collaborate with other department leaders to align engineering projects with company objectives
• Supports bid proposals by providing estimates of manpower, time and resources for each project.
• Keep abreast of new technologies and competitive products
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for the procurement of necessary equipment and materials
• Prepare and manage the engineering department’s budget
• Present reports on the department’s progress and projects to senior management
• Provides ongoing coaching to team members including the completion of annual performance appraisals and disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations
• Identifies educational, training and cross training opportunities as part of the professional development of each team member.
• Performs other duties in response to organizational needs, as assigned by manager.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected characteristics protected by law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director