VP, Engineering

States Manufacturing Corporation•Dayton, MN

18h

About The Position

Job Summary: At Forgent Power, engineering is not just a function — it’s the engine that powers our progress. The Vice President of Engineering plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the technical vision that drives our growth. This role exists to promote innovation, process discipline, and operational scalability across the company. The VP of Engineering leads the charge in transforming customer needs into manufacturable solutions, aligning engineering excellence with business strategy, and ensuring that product and process innovation are integral to how we work and compete. The Vice President of Engineering is accountable for leading the engineering organization with a sharp focus on systems, talent, and outcomes. This role is chiefly responsible for results achieved within cross-functional engineering teams aligned to develop products within defined value streams. The role requires a hands-on executive who understands both the technical and commercial sides of the business and can connect engineering priorities with broader company goals. This leader will work cross-functionally with operations, product testing, field service, and commercial teams to improve velocity, drive cost efficiency, and enhance our value to customers. The VP Engineering will also serve as a steward of engineering culture—developing leaders, scaling capabilities, and fostering a continuous improvement mindset across the team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Master’s or MBA preferred.
5+ years of engineering leadership experience at the director level or above.
A hands-on, approachable leadership style that resonates in a production-driven culture.
7+ years of experience with electro-mechanical products or electrical power industry, ideally in a high-mix, build-to-order environment.
Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering disciplines.
Demonstrated success scaling engineering teams and systems in growth-stage companies.
Experience with automation, design for manufacturability, and cross-functional product development.
Strong business acumen with the ability to translate technical objectives into financial and strategic outcomes.

Responsibilities

Lead and evolve the engineering strategy to align with company objectives and long-term growth.
Build and manage a high-performing team across multiple engineering disciplines.
Ensure engineering processes, documentation, and systems are scalable, repeatable, and efficient.
Collaborate with operations, product management, field service, and commercial leaders to translate market needs into viable technical solutions.
Drive innovation in both product and manufacturing processes, with a commitment to speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Establish meaningful KPIs to measure engineering effectiveness, project delivery, and support responsiveness.
Provide technical leadership in customer engagements when appropriate.
Serve as a visible and trusted member of the executive team, contributing to broader business strategy and culture development.
Oversees engineering practices, systems, and designs to ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
Assists with planning and implementing engineering objectives, processes, and budgets to ensure activities align with the organization's strategy.