Director of Engineering

Millwork Recruiting Source is leading the search for a Director of Engineering for a well-established and growing manufacturing organization located in a major metropolitan city in the Midwest .

This is an opportunity for a true engineering leader -someone who can elevate an engineering department into a best-in-class operation while developing talent, improving processes, and supporting an expanding product and manufacturing platform.

If you have a background in retail fixtures, display manufacturing, architectural millwork, or similar engineered products , this role offers the chance to shape the future of an engineering team while working closely with senior leadership to support growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

The Opportunity

The Director of Engineering Services will lead and develop the company's engineering department while ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through manufacturing. This individual will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for engineering while collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Project Management, and Sales.

This role requires someone who understands how to build teams, improve systems, and communicate what engineering needs to succeed .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering services department , including a team of 5-7 Design Engineers and an Estimator
• Direct the design engineering process to meet customer requirements, project schedules, and cost expectations
• Serve as a subject matter expert for engineering best practices, product development, and manufacturability
• Collaborate with senior leadership across manufacturing, project management, and sales on strategy and planning
• Play a key role in new product development, prototyping, and innovation initiatives
• Work closely with manufacturing leadership to design for manufacturability and improve production processes
• Manage shifting priorities while ensuring projects meet critical deadlines
• Support the implementation and optimization of advanced engineering software, ERP systems, and equipment upgrades
• Ensure accuracy and quality of 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings
• Research new technologies, materials, and engineering approaches that strengthen competitive advantage
• Represent the company with vendors, customers, and industry partners

Ideal Background

• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams
• Strong background in retail fixtures, display manufacturing, architectural millwork, or similar engineered products
• Demonstrated ability to build scalable engineering processes within a growth environment
• Experience navigating software and equipment modernization initiatives
• Strong ability to communicate engineering needs and strategy with executive leadership
• Reputation for meeting deadlines, solving problems, and leading with clarity

Technical & Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Design, or related field
• 6-10 years of design & development experience
• 3-5+ years in engineering leadership
• Extensive proficiency with 3D modeling software (AutoDesk Inventor preferred)
• Experience producing accurate 3D models and manufacturing prints
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and shop environments
• Exposure to estimating processes and product costing
• Ability to create high-quality 3D renderings is a plus

The successful candidate will be:

• A developer of people and engineering talent
• A clear communicator with leadership presence
• A strategic thinker who understands operational realities
• A leader capable of transforming engineering into a premier, high-performing department