Director of Engineering

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Engineering to lead the engineering function and provide technical and organizational leadership across product development, engineering operations, and continuous improvement.

The Director of Engineering will be responsible for establishing engineering priorities and standards, leading the development and execution of engineering initiatives, and ensuring engineering resources are aligned with the organization’s business and product strategies. This role will oversee engineering projects, processes, budgets, staffing, technical standards, and development activities while partnering closely with Product Management, Operations, Sales, Quality, Supply Chain, and executive leadership.

The Director will serve as a senior technical leader within the organization and will be expected to balance innovation, customer requirements, manufacturability, quality, cost, and speed to market.

Experience within an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment is strongly preferred, particularly involving automotive or mobile equipment applications, electro-hydraulics, electro-pneumatics, control systems, CANBUS communication, HMI, power distribution, or related technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the engineering function, establishing priorities, goals, standards, and performance expectations aligned with company objectives.
• Develop and execute the engineering strategy and roadmap in support of business growth, product strategy, customer requirements, and operational priorities.
• Lead the planning, prioritization, and execution of engineering projects and product development initiatives, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, budgets, and timelines.
• Serve as a senior technical leader and advisor, providing direction on complex engineering matters, technical risks, product development, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Partner with Product Management, Operations, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure engineering solutions balance customer requirements, manufacturability, quality, cost, reliability, and speed to market.
• Lead research, development, and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen the company's products, engineering capabilities, processes, and competitive position.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, design practices, testing methodologies, documentation requirements, and processes that support applicable quality, regulatory, customer, and ISO requirements.
• Build and develop a high-performing engineering organization through workforce planning, recruiting, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Establish engineering KPIs and provide executive leadership with visibility into performance, project status, resource requirements, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop and manage the engineering budget and support annual strategic planning, forecasting, and longer-term resource and capability planning.
• Build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, vendors, and technical partners and represent Engineering in internal and external business and technical discussions.
• Perform other leadership responsibilities and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience, including 5+ years in an engineering leadership role.
• Experience within automotive, electro-mechanical, industrial, or related manufacturing environments; knowledge of electro-hydraulics, electro-pneumatics, control systems, or related technologies preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams, product development initiatives, technical projects, budgets, and resource planning.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to provide strategic direction and guide complex engineering decisions.
• Knowledge of engineering standards, quality systems, and applicable ISO requirements.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical requirements with customer, operational, financial, and organizational priorities.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, drive change, and collaborate effectively across functions and with customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• M-F 8am-5pm
• Onsite (St. Louis Park, MN)

Why Join Murrelektronik

Murrelektronik is a global leader in automation solutions, delivering innovative technologies that connect industrial devices and systems. As part of Murrelektronik, this role will have a significant focus on Data Panel, a Murrelektronik company specializing in electro-mechanical solutions for mission-specific mobile vehicles, including control systems, power distribution, HMI, and CANBUS technologies.

This role offers the opportunity to combine the resources of a global organization with the hands-on engineering and innovation of a specialized product business.