Director of Engineering

Wood Systems, Inc., a member of the Mill Creek Family of Companies, is a leading provider of architectural millwork, custom fabrication, and innovative wood-based solutions serving commercial construction projects throughout the United States. Since 1934, Mill Creek has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and integrity.

We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Director of Engineering to lead our engineering department and play a key role in the continued growth and success of our organization. This position is responsible for providing strategic direction, developing talent, driving accountability, and ensuring engineering excellence across the company. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who is passionate about building high-performing teams, improving processes, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

This position is based in our manufacturing facility and is not available for remote work. In addition to a competitive salary and annual incentive opportunities, relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Position Summary

The Director of Engineering will lead and develop a team of engineers and designers responsible for delivering accurate, efficient, and high-quality engineering solutions for our manufacturing operations. This individual will establish departmental vision and strategy, drive performance metrics, develop future leaders, and foster collaboration across Engineering, Project Management, Production, Sales, and Executive Leadership.

Success in this role requires exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to employee development, and the ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Engineering Department.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain top engineering talent in partnership with Human Resources.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Conduct regular coaching, performance evaluations, and career development planning for team members.
• Identify and develop future leaders within the department through succession planning and mentoring.
• Foster employee engagement and create an environment where team members can thrive and grow professionally.
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and measurable goals for the engineering team.

Operational Leadership

• Lead the successful daily operation of the Engineering Department while maintaining alignment with company objectives.
• Develop and monitor departmental KPIs, efficiency metrics, and workload capacity planning.
• Continuously improve engineering workflows, processes, and systems to increase productivity and quality.
• Ensure engineering resources are effectively allocated to meet project schedules and customer expectations.
• Partner with Production and Operations leadership to maintain lead times and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Participate in weekly production and project review meetings to identify recurring issues and implement long-term solutions.

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute engineering strategies that support company growth and operational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering processes, standards, and technology platforms.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, software, and industry best practices to maintain competitive advantage.
• Lead implementation and optimization of engineering software systems including:
• Microvellum
• AutoCAD
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve company engineering standards related to:
• Drafting and detailing
• Construction methods
• AWI standards
• Material specifications
• Manufacturing processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Project Management, Sales, Production, Purchasing, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful project execution.
• Work with Project Managers to prioritize workloads and maximize department effectiveness.
• Support production teams in resolving engineering-related challenges and improving overall project outcomes.
• Partner with external vendors, consultants, and contractors when necessary to ensure project success.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and strategic initiatives.

Quality & Project Execution

• Ensure engineering deliverables meet company standards for quality, accuracy, and manufacturability.
• Oversee training and onboarding of new engineering team members.
• Maintain adherence to project schedules and customer commitments.
• Identify and resolve engineering issues while implementing preventive measures to reduce future occurrences.
• Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail throughout the department.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Support company initiatives and strategic projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the success of Wood Systems and the Mill Creek Family of Companies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Manufacturing, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience within architectural millwork, manufacturing, engineering, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, industry standards, and materials used in architectural millwork and related industries.
• Proven experience implementing process improvements and driving operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software platforms.
• Demonstrates the Wood Systems values of Honesty, Integrity, and Passion to Excel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Annual incentive opportunity
• Relocation assistance available
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee discount program on lumber and building materials
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities
• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities
• Safe and supportive work environment
• Career growth opportunities within the Mill Creek Family of Companies

Why Join Wood Systems?

At Wood Systems, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, influence the future direction of our engineering organization, and play a significant role in a growing company with a long-standing reputation for excellence. If you are a servant leader who enjoys developing people, driving continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply today.

Wood Systems, Inc. and Mill Creek Lumber & Supply Company are equal opportunity employers and value diversity in the workplace. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.