Director of Engineering

M. G. Newell•Louisville, KY

29d

About The Position

The Director of Engineering will work cross-functionally with the division’s outside sales team to address customer needs and lead process or automation engineering, service, and shop personnel in the delivery of cost-effective, engineered-to-order solutions. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the engineering team, ensuring projects are executed effectively, resources are aligned, and team performance meets organizational standards. In addition to operational leadership, the Director will play a key role in strategic planning and aligning engineering efforts with the company’s long-term goals. This includes partnering with leadership to drive innovation, support growth initiatives, and continuously improve organizational performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution.
Minimum seven years’ experience leading and managing engineering teams in the delivery of engineered solutions. Experience delivering custom solutions using a project-based and engineered-to-order approach a plus.
Minimum five years of hands-on experience in the design of industrial products or systems.
Engineering management skills, including work planning and assignment, prioritization, resource management and development, hiring and team building, individual goal management, one-on-ones and coaching, communication, and influencing.
Strategic leadership skills, such as vision development and communication, long-range planning, organizational and strategic goal setting, and organizational design and development are preferred.
Background in continuous improvement and the use of data analytics to drive structured problem solving and root cause analysis. Training in continuous improvement methodologies, e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, or other similar methodologies and business systems preferred.
Experience with engineering project management, including customer management, estimating and proposals, risk identification and mitigation, planning, execution, vendor management, and installation.
Background in fluid processing preferred. Familiarity with sanitary processes in food and beverage, dairy, or pharmaceuticals a plus.
Background in structured Engineering methodologies, e.g., Stage Gate, Agile Product Development, Waterfall, or other similar methodologies. Experience delivering custom solutions using a project-based approach preferred.
Experience with budgeting and P&L management is preferred.
Experience with drafting, solid modeling, and design packages, e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, etc.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications along with ERP and project management system experience.
Experience designing for manufacturing and assembly a plus.
Ability to travel to customer and vendor facilities; approximately 25% travel required.
Must be a good fit culturally for a family-owned enterprise.

Nice To Haves

MBA degree preferred and a master’s degree in a technical field a plus.
Professional Engineer license in a relevant field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee, manage, and direct all the activities and assigned personnel in the Division Engineering, Shop, and Service departments.
Work with the Division General Manager and Corporate Vice President of Engineering on organizational leadership and special projects.
Develop staff, including goal setting, performance reviews, personal development, and career planning.
Provide visionary leadership while fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement. Be a change agent for the Engineering organization.
Create and manage the Division Engineering department budget.
Evaluate customer opportunities with Outside Sales to determine alignment with business goals. Develop recommendations and solutions to solve customer issues.
Understand customer requirements, develop project cost estimates, and create customer proposals. Support Outside Sales in the presentation of proposals and solutions to the customer and promote the sale of the project.
Review estimates and proposals created by the Division Engineering team for accuracy and support of business goals.
Prioritize and assign Engineering, Service, and Shop personnel to work as needed.
Lead team to define and deliver projects that meet customer requirements and internal targets for performance, quality, cost, and schedule.
Review solutions and designs for accuracy and cost effectiveness. Lead effective technical and cross-functional design reviews.
Review engineering drawings, including but not limited to process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), schematics, equipment layouts, and general assembly drawings.
Check major installations through periodic site visits. Ensure projects are completed per project requirements and to the customer’s satisfaction.
Mentor and coach team members in estimating, planning, project management, and engineering best practices. Develop engineers, ensuring their growth and alignment with company goals.
Drive robust engineering design and project management practices with a focus on continuous improvement and excellence.
Create and improve engineering processes and ensure Division Engineering personnel adhere to established standards.
Stay abreast of new technology and applications within the industry and meet with vendors to review available products and technology.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with third party partners, including equipment and material suppliers.
Be a point of contact for inside and outside sales personnel, cross-functional associates, partners, and customers.
Maintain shop tooling and equipment. Create and submit capital expenditure requests.
Coordinate safety training and promote safe work practices on job sites and in the shop.
Promote an engaging work environment by exhibiting a positive attitude, helping where needed, and being an active member of the company. Foster and promote the same attitude within the Engineering team.
Assure all engineering, service, and shop personnel adhere to M. G. Newell’s policy and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.