Director Engineering Jobs in Bridgeport, CT (NOW HIRING)

Director, Engineering– Exempt

Location: Based out of Cheshire, CT 

Reports to: General Manager

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform.

Leadership and Management:

Lead and mentor the manufacturing engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Provide coaching and leadership that supports engineers' professional development, establishes clear growth paths, promotes engagement, and builds a high-performing, collaborative organization.

Set objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the team, and monitor progress against these goals.

Lead and influence cross-functional and matrixed teams across multiple sites and functional disciplines to achieve strategic business and operational objectives.

Ensure compliance with HAU policies and procedures.

Strategic Planning:

Develop and implement long-term strategies for manufacturing engineering to support company goals and growth.

Evaluate and adopt new manufacturing technologies and methodologies.

Align manufacturing engineering activities with the overall business strategy and customer requirements.

Lead organizational transformation initiatives by driving the implementation, adoption, and stabilization of standardized manufacturing work processes and engineering best practices across all sites.

Demonstrate adaptability and change leadership by successfully managing enterprise-wide initiatives and fostering organizational acceptance of new processes and ways of working.

Process Improvement:

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

Lead lean manufacturing initiatives and Six Sigma projects to optimize production processes.

Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production issues.

Project Management:

Oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet policies and procedures.

Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, quality, and supply chain, to ensure successful project execution.

Manage the design and installation of new equipment and production lines.

Technology and Innovation:

Stay current with advancements in aerospace manufacturing technology and industry trends.

Drive the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including automation, IoT, and data analytics, to enhance manufacturing processes.

Collaborate with IT and other departments to integrate new technologies into existing systems.

Quality and Compliance:

Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with safety regulations, and company policies.

Work closely with the quality assurance team to maintain high product quality and consistency.

Implement and maintain AS9100 and other relevant aerospace certifications.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget.

Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient use of personnel, equipment, and materials.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering within the aerospace industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Experience leading engineering organizations within a matrixed environment and successfully managing cross-functional teams across multiple locations or business functions.

Proven experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading engineering projects in the aerospace sector.

In-depth knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, equipment, and technology.

Demonstrated success leading organizational change, process standardization, or business transformation initiatives.

Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Strong leadership and team-building abilities.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation in aerospace manufacturing.

Knowledge of ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES) used in aerospace.

Working Conditions:

Primarily office-based with frequent visits to manufacturing facilities.

Occasional travel may be required, including visits to customer sites and industry events.