Global Director of Engineering

SUMMARY: The Global Director of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering functions across the company's global manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive engineering strategy that supports business objectives, improves manufacturing performance, drives operational excellence, and ensures consistent engineering standards across all facilities.

This leader will oversee engineering teams, manufacturing processes, equipment design and implementation, automation initiatives, capital projects, continuous improvement programs, and technical development across multiple locations.

The Global Director of Engineering will partner closely with executive leadership, manufacturing operations, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and product development to ensure engineering capabilities support current production requirements while positioning the organization for future growth.

POSITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Global Engineering Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's global engineering strategy, vision, and long-term objectives.
• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability for engineering teams across all manufacturing facilities.
• Establish standardized engineering practices, processes, specifications, and technical requirements across global locations.
• Build a high-performing engineering organization through talent development, succession planning, and leadership accountability.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between engineering teams and manufacturing locations.

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2. Manufacturing Engineering & Operational Excellence

• Drive improvements in manufacturing processes, production efficiency, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, eliminate waste, and improve productivity.
• Lead initiatives involving process optimization, equipment utilization, automation, and manufacturing technology.
• Ensure engineering solutions support safety, quality, reliability, and production objectives.
• Partner with plant leadership to resolve complex manufacturing and technical challenges.

3. Capital Projects & Equipment Implementation

• Oversee major capital investment projects, including equipment purchases, facility expansions, production line installations, and modernization initiatives.
• Establish project standards, budgets, timelines, and accountability measures.
• Evaluate new manufacturing technologies and equipment to improve operational performance.
• Ensure successful execution of engineering projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and production launch.
• Monitor project return on investment (ROI) and ensure capital expenditures align with business objectives

4. Engineering Standards & Technical Development

• Establish and maintain global engineering standards, specifications, and best practices.
• Ensure consistency in equipment design, manufacturing processes, and technical documentation across facilities.
• Drive innovation through automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic investments.
• Support new product introductions, process development, and manufacturing scale-up.

5. Financial & Business Performance

• Develop and manage global engineering budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and deliver measurable financial improvements.
• Evaluate engineering investments based on business impact, operational requirements, and long-term value.
• Establish performance metrics to measure engineering effectiveness and project success.
• Ensure engineering resources are allocated effectively across global operations.

6. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable industry regulations, environmental requirements, and company policies.
• Partner with Quality and EHS leadership to improve manufacturing safety, product quality, and process reliability.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for significant manufacturing issues.
• Promote a culture of accountability, risk management, and continuous improvement.

7. Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration

• Work closely with executive leadership to align engineering priorities with overall business strategy.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, and Research & Development.
• Provide executive-level updates on engineering performance, capital investments, major projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Support global business expansion, acquisitions, facility integration, and manufacturing transformation initiatives as needed.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years of engineering leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams across multiple manufacturing facilities in global, multicultural environments
• Experience operating in Lean and Six Sigma Manufacturing environments; Six Sigma Black Belt a plus
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, automation, and industrial systems.
• Preferred to have a proven track record working with refractories and furnaces for handling molten and gaseous metals
• Preferred experience in the movement of micron and sub micron sized particles within a facility
• Proven experience managing large-scale capital projects and engineering budgets.
• Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing engineering standards across multiple locations.
• Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and executive leadership capabilities.