Director of Engineering & Program Management (AEROSPACE/DEFENSE) (Grand Rapids)

We are representing an industry leading commercial aerospace/aviation organization that is actively seeking a Director of Engineering & Program Management at their flagship 1,500+ employee campus in Grand Rapids, MI. This position will play a critical role driving new product launches, engineering execution, and plant-level performance. This is a permanent, direct-hire opportunity with strong visibility to executive leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• This role will report directly to the VP/General Manager while assuming ownership over Engineering and Program Management activities.
• Full ownership of new product launch activities from concept through full-rate production.
• Accountable for program execution across cost, quality, delivery, and timeline metrics.
• Own departmental financial performance including budgeting, cost modeling (material, scrap, labor), and capital planning.
• Partner with Sales, and Operations to ensure accurate quoting and successful program launches.
• Lead run-at-rate analysis, process validation, and production readiness activities.
• Act as the technical liaison between tooling suppliers, manufacturing operations, and customers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including yield improvement, scrap reduction, and process optimization.
• Establish and track KPIs aligned with plant and business objectives.
• Work cross functionally across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of launch programs.
• Develop and mentor high-potential engineering talent while building a strong technical bench
• Provide strategic input into the long-term engineering and business roadmap

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related technical field (Mechanical, Metallurgical, Manufacturing, etc.)
• 5+ years of engineering leadership or PM experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Direct experience leading new product launches, or program management activities
• Automotive and/or aerospace manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and driving results in fast-paced production environments
• Strong financial acumen including experience with cost modeling, budgeting, and capital planning
• Hands-on experience with structured problem solving methodologies (RCCA, 8D, PFMEA, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization without direct authority
• Proven ability to balance speed, cost, and quality in a high-pressure manufacturing environment