DIrector of Engineering

We are seeking an active, hands-on Engineering Director to lead our growing engineering department. This is a "working manager" role designed for a collaborative leader who enjoys being present in the lab and directly contributing to product design, development, and testing alongside their team.In this role, you will manage day-to-day operations, project execution, and a talented team of five direct reports (including project engineers, sourcing, and lab personnel). You will work in a parallel partnership with our Chief Engineer, who serves as the ultimate technical and compliance authority, allowing you to focus on department leadership, workflow execution, quality oversight, and hands-on engineering.Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Management & DevelopmentProvide direct line management, performance reviews, and professional development for the engineering team.Onboard, mentor, and rebuild a highly collaborative department.Manage project scheduling, prioritization, and resource allocation across multiple product lines.Triage and approve Engineering Change Notices (ECN) as a first-line filter.Quality Control OversightOversee day-to-day plant quality functions, including inbound parts inspection, in-process QC, and outbound quality control.Manage the customer returns process and coordinate vendor quality rejects.Monitor quality metrics, manage QC personnel, and escalate systemic issues to the Chief Engineer for technical resolution.Product Testing & Hands-On Lab ContributionActively participate in hands-on product testing and R&D within our certified lab.Lead test planning for gas appliances, ventilation, and electric heating product lines.Coordinate witness testing schedules with third-party certification agencies (e.g., CSA, BSI, ETL).Project Management & NPDDrive New Product Development (NPD) projects from initial concept through to manufacturing launch.Coordinate cross-functional timelines with sales, operations, purchasing, and quality.Support the sourcing process, supplier outreach, and sample tracking alongside our Sourcing Engineer.Job RequirementsMinimum Qualifications (Layer 1 Filters)Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.Experience: 7+ years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.Leadership: Minimum of 2 years of formal, documented supervisory experience with direct reports (technical engineering personnel). (Note: Informal mentoring or team lead experience without direct reports will not satisfy this requirement).Design Background: Hands-on product design and development experience is required. (Candidates with backgrounds solely in testing, quality, or analysis without design ownership will not be prioritized).Testing Familiarity: Comfortable working directly in a lab setting, performing physical product testing.CAD/Systems: Working familiarity with CAD-based product design processes to review and discuss 3D models with the team.Location: Must be able to work 100% on-site at our Charlotte, NC facility (no remote/hybrid options).Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States.Preferred AttributesExperience in thermal, combustion, or HVAC manufacturing (e.g., gas-fired heating, commercial ventilation, or electric heating systems).Strong understanding of agency certification processes (UL, CSA, ETL, or equivalent).Experience implementing Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.Proven track record of onboarding, building, and scaling engineering teams.