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 Responsibilities

Team Management & Development

• Provide 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 Oversight

• Oversee 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 Contribution

• Actively 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 & NPD

• Drive 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 Requirements

Minimum 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 Attributes

• Experience 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.