Director, Product Design Engineering

ITT•Irvine, CA

18h

About The Position

ITT is a leading manufacturer of critical components for harsh environments that serves fast-growing end markets in flow, aerospace and defense, energy and transportation. Building on our heritage of innovation, we partner with our customers to deliver solutions to the key industries that underpin our modern way of life. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, we have more than 11,700 employees globally with operations in ~40 countries and sales in more than 125. At our core is our engineering DNA, with 1,280+ engineers, 1,700+ active global patents and ~51 manufacturing locations. Our businesses are organized in three distinct segments, each based around our core engineering DNA: Industrial Process: A global leader in centrifugal and twin-screw pumps and engineered valves for chemical, energy, mining, and industrial applications. Our leading brands include the iconic Goulds Pumps (with more than 175 years of history), Bornemann, Habonim, Engineered Valves, Rheinhütte Pumpen and Svanehøj. Motion Technologies: A global leader in brake pads (ICE and electrified brake pads) and shock absorbers (energy absorption solutions) for transportation applications. Our leading brands include Friction Technologies, KONI and Axtone. Connect and Control Technologies: A leader in critical applications for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets, including harsh environment connectors and control components. Our leading brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA. Position Summary This role is accountable for department leadership of Design Engineering for Connectors (Circular, Rectangular, Rack & Panel, and Space & Specials), Fiber Optics, and Cable Assemblies. The Director of Product Design Engineering works closely with Product Management, Program Management, and Production to ensure design engineering deliverables and objectives are met prior to scheduled dates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with 10+ years of related industry experience. Extensive connector design engineering experience (20+ years) will be considered in lieu of degree.
15+ years’ experience in Electro-Mechanical product design, preferably in connectors
Established track record of successful leadership of a technical organization.
Ability to motivate a highly technical staff in order to achieve outstanding performance.
Demonstrated willingness to make decisions within delegated authority levels.
Knowledge of AS9100 processes.
Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically to identify solutions.
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Proactive approach to Planning, Organization capabilities and problem resolution.
Has strong organizational and leadership skills to enable him/her to drive performance and deliver results.
Skilled at clearly conveying in-depth knowledge to all levels within, and outside of, the organization.
Demonstrated leadership abilities and previous experience successfully managing Engineering staff.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, adapt quickly to change, manage multiple concurrent projects, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and demonstrate initiative under pressure
The ability to travel periodically (up to 25%)

Responsibilities

Oversees the management of the Connectors, Fiber Optics, and Cable Assemblies, providing guidance to ensure deliverables and deadlines are met.
Increase the efficiency of day-to-day processes and improve customer response time for set up of BOM, customer drawings and technical support
Mentor and coach assigned teams to maintain a culture of high performance and customer service (both internal and external customers).
Mentor Engineering managers to attract, retain, and develop top talent
Attend design review meetings. Identify issues proactively; develop and implement solutions
Drive innovation and project execution while maintaining a professional environment where creative work is valued and recognized
Drive collaboration across engineering teams to ensure common processes, tools, and methodology are employed
Improve systems & processes to reduce non-value-added activities within the product development, procurement and production launch process.
Provide technical guidance and recommendations to ensure obstacles in design projects are resolved.
Drives a culture of date accountability within assigned teams ensuring importance of meeting deadlines.
Effectively plan and manage assigned departments budgets and headcount plan consistent with Annual Operating Plan.
Owns and maintains assigned departments performance indicators.
Defines department performance targets and implement plans to improve department performance in response to key performance indicators.
Ensures alignment and consistency of design, documentation, and execution across product lines.
Mentor, manage, and lead across multiple levels, including coaching individual contributors and managers.
Work closely with other functional leaders in product engineering and product management to ensure coordination, prioritization, planning, and execution of key company initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.
Directly supervises exempt and non-exempt employees.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Provides leadership, communication, and coaching to employees while cultivating a culture of motivated employees, environment of trust, teamwork, accountability, self-confidence, and business ownership.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees. Planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving issues.