Vice President of Engineering ~ RETAINED SEARCH

Position Summary:The Vice President (VP) of Engineering for a 200MM dollar manufacturer is a senior executive responsible for leading all engineering functions, including design, research and development (R&D), production engineering, and technical support, to ensure products are developed, manufactured, and delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest quality. This role bridges technical execution and business strategy.Location: Dauphin County, PACompensation: $275,000 -$300,000 plus bonusRelocation and Benefit Packages? YesAvailability: ImmediatePosition Responsibilities:• Engineering Roadmap: Define the long-term technical strategy and product development roadmap in alignment with enterprise targets and industry trends• Innovation & Technology: Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies, materials, and processes, such as automation, robotics, or digital manufacturing techniques (Industry 4.0)• R&D Management: Oversee R&D initiatives for new product development, process innovations, and product improvements to maintain technological leadership• Production Support: Work closely with manufacturing and operations teams to bridge the gap between design and production, assuring seamless incorporation of new products• Process Improvement: Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize production efficiency, reduce waste, and decrease manufacturing costs• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Ensure that new products are created for efficiency, reliability, and ease of manufacturing• Project Oversight: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from concept and feasibility to design, prototyping, validation, testing, and production launch• Schedule and Budget: Ensure projects are delivered within the established timeline and budget, managing technical debt and preventing bottlenecks• Quality Standards: Enforce rigorous quality control standards, ensuring products conform to internal company standards and customer requirements• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all engineering activities and products comply with sector regulations and certifications• Risk Management: Actively identify technical risks and create mitigation plans for product performance, reliability, and manufacturability• Develop, implement, and consistently refine continuous improvement and LEAN strategies that support the company's overall strategic direction; build clear, data-driven priorities for the sameProvide proactive, strategic leadership and support for organizational planning and advancement initiatives in support of key business strategies and initiatives• Play a leading role in helping to define, shape, and drive the processes and skills necessary for establishing and sustaining a positive team member culture focused on safetyPromote a results-oriented culture of teamwork, employee development, candid communication, innovation, safety, and inclusion to become an employer of choice• Achieve financial goals by deploying effective systems for capital expenditures, operating expenditure, and overhead• Maintain knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in Engineering• Identify training needs and guarantee proper training is developed and provided• Establish and utilize effective operational and economic metrics to measure, analyze, and communicate results within BU• Preserve technical knowledge relating to chassis OEMs and other productsProvide a positive influence for continued development including but not limited to training, feedback, succession plans, disciplinary actions, etc.• Provide timely and effective support to the sales and manufacturing groups• Manage the Engineering Change Request (ECR) processSupport and participate in the company's effortsFinancial ResponsibilityResponsibility for several cost centersResponsibility for profit & loss statements with total revenues >$50 MMPosition Qualifications & Requirements:Education:Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering disciplineMBA (preferred)Experience:Fifteen years of engineering experience with at least five years in a leadership role in an organization of comparable breadth and depthDemonstrated experience reducing product complexity and streamlining engineering business processes to reduce time, errors and product costIn-depth knowledge of SolidWorksDiverse knowledge of auxiliary equipmentExperience supporting complex/customized product lines in a “production-oriented” engineering environment where volume and output are criticalManufacturing industry or background experience (preferred)Certification /License:Lean Six Sigma Certification (Not required but preferred)Skills and Abilities:Embraces and exhibits company behaviors, leads by exampleStrategic thinker with proven analytical, assessment, and leadership skillsStrategically minded, tactically adeptStrong ability to work outside traditional functional silos and build relationships across the organization at all levels, particularly with senior business leaders and executivesExperience with core financial principles (Costing, Budgeting, Financial Analysis)High level of proficiency with MS OfficeExcellent customer service skills and the ability to engage customers and suppliers in a professional mannerWell versed in implementation of Lean Manufacturing and 5SEffective at operating in a matrix environmentEffective oral and written communication; excellent interpersonal and organizational skillsSupervisory responsibilities:May have both direct and indirect reportingWork environment:Professional office environmentSedentary work with extended periods of computer useOccasional work in warehouse/manufacturing plantMust be able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Travel:Occasional (25%)