Director Engineering - Custom Build Machines

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Engineering

Precision Capital Equipment | [Location / onsite or hybrid] | $200,000 to $210,000 base + 20% bonus

The Opportunity

Our client is a privately held, owner-led global manufacturer of precision capital equipment. Their machines are built to customer specification for demanding markets including semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, medical and optics.

They are hiring a Director of Engineering to lead the U.S. engineering organization across multiple sites. This leader will own engineering execution from quote-stage concepts through build, test and customer delivery, and will partner closely with engineering teams overseas.

This is a hands-on, high-accountability seat. Decisions move fast, the owner is closely involved, and expectations are high. The right person thrives on that pace, communicates directly, and brings clear plans and data to every conversation.

What You Will Do

• Build the team. Lead and grow multidisciplinary mechanical, electrical and controls engineering teams across U.S. locations. Hire, coach and develop engineers and engineering managers.
• Deliver the programs. Run engineering programs across custom customer builds, new product development, product enhancements and sustaining work. Own scope, schedule, budget and resources.
• Industrialize the product. Take products from concept through prototype, NPI and production release. Drive DFM, DFA, DFS and DFC with manufacturing, supply chain and service.
• Connect with global teams. Align priorities and resources with global engineering counterparts so U.S. and overseas teams operate as one.
• Raise the standard. Set engineering standards and control drawings, specs, BOMs, software releases, test procedures and work instructions. Improve how the team uses PDM, PLM and ERP.
• Give leadership visibility. Hold regular program reviews and report status, risks and recovery plans with clear KPIs and dashboards.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience in capital equipment, semiconductor equipment, automation, precision machinery or a related industry.
• 10+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, including managing other engineering leaders.
• A track record of taking products from concept through prototype, NPI and production release.
• Experience leading engineering across multiple sites and with global counterparts. Working knowledge of PLM, PDM and ERP systems and engineering change control.

Strongly Preferred

• Engineer-to-order or custom-build machine experience, where each system is configured or designed around a customer's process.
• Experience in an owner-led or privately held company where leadership is closely involved in engineering decisions.
• Advanced degree in engineering or business.

Who Thrives Here

• You are steady under pressure and stay solution-focused when expectations are high and timelines are tight.
• You give straight answers, push back with data when needed, and keep leadership informed before they have to ask.
• You are as comfortable on the shop floor or at a customer site as you are in a program review.

Compensation

$200,000 to $210,000 base salary, plus a 20% annual bonus target and a full benefits package.