Vice President of Engineering

Vice President of Engineering

Compensation: $220,000-$265,000 Base Location: Houston, TX Work Arrangement: On-site Employment Type: Full-Time Confidential Search

About the Opportunity

A privately held, growth-oriented industrial organization is seeking a Vice President of Engineering to lead engineering strategy and execution across a complex network of marine, terminal, rail, storage, and infrastructure assets. This is a high-impact executive leadership role for a seasoned engineering professional with deep experience in marine terminal development, port infrastructure, bulk material handling systems, and large-scale capital projects. The company is preparing to invest heavily in new facilities, terminal expansion, and strategic infrastructure development. This opportunity is ideal for a senior engineering leader who brings both technical depth and executive maturity, and who is motivated by the chance to help shape a growing organization, mentor emerging talent, and leave a lasting legacy.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Engineering will serve as the senior engineering leader for the organization, providing strategic and technical oversight for major infrastructure and capital projects. This individual will play a key role in the planning, design, and execution of marine and terminal-related developments, while also helping build a more scalable, disciplined, and mature engineering function. The right candidate will bring proven experience in complex industrial and port-related environments and will be equally comfortable guiding major project decisions, partnering with executive leadership, and mentoring an internal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering function across major capital, infrastructure, and expansion initiatives
• Provide technical leadership for marine terminals, port infrastructure, vessel unloading systems, storage assets, rail interfaces, and related industrial facilities
• Support the planning, design review, prioritization, and execution of large-scale capital projects
• Partner with executive leadership on long-range infrastructure strategy and investment planning
• Mentor and develop an existing engineering and projects team, including helping elevate internal leadership capability
• Introduce stronger engineering discipline, communication, accountability, and execution standards
• Work cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, commercial leadership, and ownership to ensure alignment between engineering initiatives and business objectives
• Evaluate engineering concepts, layouts, and project plans with a focus on safety, scalability, operational performance, and long-term value
• Help professionalize the engineering function to support a business entering a major growth phase

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 20+ years of progressive engineering experience, with significant tenure in senior leadership roles
• Deep experience in marine port engineering and industrial infrastructure development
• Proven track record supporting the design and build-out of: marine terminals, port infrastructure, vessel unloading systems, storage and transfer systems, rail or barge-connected industrial facilities, large-scale industrial capital projects
• Strong leadership presence with the credibility to mentor and develop a capable but less experienced internal team
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast-evolving business environment
• Willingness to work on-site in Houston

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in dry bulk, industrial terminals, or other heavy industrial operating environments
• Background in multi-site expansion, greenfield or brownfield development, or high-value infrastructure projects
• Experience in privately held, entrepreneurial, or high-growth organizations
• A practical, hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategy and execution

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineering leader who brings sound judgment, technical credibility, and a collaborative approach. This person should be energized by the opportunity to help a growing business scale, while also serving as a mentor to the next generation of leadership within the organization. Success in this role will require executive maturity, strong communication skills, and a genuine desire to share knowledge, build team capability, and create long-term impact.

Culture and Fit

The company values: teamwork, accountability, professionalism, humility, communication, respect for diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates should be comfortable working in a highly diverse, international environment and bring the cultural awareness and emotional intelligence needed to lead effectively across teams and functions.

Why This Role

• Executive-level visibility and influence
• Significant capital investment and growth ahead
• Opportunity to shape major infrastructure initiatives
• Chance to build systems, develop people, and strengthen a growing organization
• Meaningful long-term impact in a business entering an important stage of expansion