If you are looking for a great career opportunity and a challenge, but don't necessarily care where you are located in the Northeast US, then this position is a potential fit for you! Our client is a leading manufacturer and is highly respected in their industry. Their products are designed, manufactured, and marketed all over the world.

Summary

We are confidentially recruiting a dynamic Director of Engineering to lead new product development. This leadership role will oversee the full lifecycle of new product development, from concept to launch, ensuring that processes are followed, and resources are effectively managed.

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background and extensive experience in managing new product development teams, driving performance, managing stage-gate processes, and implementing new processes in a manufacturing environment. In addition to technical expertise, this role requires exceptional communication, conflict-resolution, and change management skills. As the Director of Engineering, you will help shape the future of the team, foster collaboration across departments, and lead the growth of new product development efforts.

If you thrive in a challenging, evolving manufacturing environment and have a passion for leading engineering teams to success, this is the opportunity for you.

Location - The exact location is not in Albany, NY, but the position will reside in the Northeast area of the US. As this is a confidential search, we cannot list the exact location.

Relocation benefits are available.

Compensation

Compensation is highly competitive and includes 401K + Full Medical, Dental, and Vision packages + additional benefits.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead new product development (NPD) across engineering, managing resources, timing, budget, and processes to ensure successful launches.
• Oversee the manufacturing support for existing product portfolios, focusing on quality improvements and cost reductions.
• Drive the Phase Gate process for NPD, ensuring proper tracking.
• Manage and build a cohesive, effective engineering team of direct and indirect reports throughout the company.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (operations, finance, quality, sales, and marketing) to foster collaboration and ensure alignment.
• Ensuring a balance between structured engineering methodologies and flexibility.
• Evaluate and restructure roles within the team as necessary.
• Guide the NPD Team through changes as it integrates product lines, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Provide leadership to engineers, holding them accountable and driving results while maintaining strong relationships with senior leadership.

Education, Skills, and Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred), Electromechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in New Product Development (NPD), with experience in mechanical and testing/validation processes.
• 7+ years of experience in people management with a proven track record of building and leading teams.
• Strong background in manufacturing environments especially metal fabricating and assembly with a solid understanding of industrial operations.
• Expertise in APQP methodology or similar product development processes.
• Ability to manage and influence differing personalities, resolve conflicts effectively, and maintain team cohesion.
• Strong communication skills, comfortable presenting to upper management and fostering trust across leadership teams.
• Ability to lead teams through change and work with individuals who may be resistant to new processes or structures.
• Confidence to hold teams accountable while maintaining a collaborative and disciplined work environment.
• High level of mechanical aptitude is an absolute must.