Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering at United Employment Group, Inc. Director of Engineering at United Employment Group, Inc. in Orange, New Jersey Posted in 1 day ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

The Director of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering functions at a high-volume precision metal stamping manufacturer serving the automotive, electronics, and medical device industries. This executive-level role is responsible for driving product and process innovation, ensuring compliance with industry-specific quality and regulatory requirements, and developing a high-performing engineering team. The Director partners closely with Sales, Quality, Operations, and executive leadership to deliver competitive, manufacturable solutions that exceed customer expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Development Define and execute the engineering roadmap aligned with company growth objectives across automotive, electronics, and medical device markets. Serve as the primary engineering liaison for key customer accounts during quoting, design, and program launch phases. Evaluate and recommend capital equipment investments (progressive dies, transfer presses, automation) to expand manufacturing capabilities. Collaborate with Sales to develop competitive quotes, DFM feedback, and technical proposals. Product & Process Engineering Oversee tooling design and die engineering for progressive, compound, and transfer dies used in high-precision stamped metal components. Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and tolerance stack-up analyses for new part programs. Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions for automotive customers (IATF 16949). Ensure engineering compliance with

ISO 13485

design controls for medical device component programs. Champion continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, kaizen) to reduce scrap, cycle times, and tooling costs. Team Development & Management Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of tool designers, process engineers, and manufacturing engineers. Establish individual development plans, performance goals, and career advancement pathways. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and engineering excellence throughout the department. Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Ensure all engineering activities comply with

IATF 16949

(automotive), ISO 9001 (general), and

ISO 13485

(medical device) quality management systems. Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action (8D, CAPA) for engineering-related customer escapes. Maintain complete and audit-ready DHF (Design History Files) and technical documentation for regulated industries. Partner with Quality on FMEA development, control plans, and measurement system analysis (MSA/Gage R&R). Operations & Program Management Manage engineering project portfolios from concept through production launch, meeting cost, timing, and quality targets. Coordinate new model introductions (NMI) and engineering change management (ECN) across internal and customer systems. Support Operations with press setup optimization, tooling maintenance programs, and troubleshooting of high-volume production issues. Oversee supplier tooling builds and subcontracted engineering services; conduct supplier technical reviews and audits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or closely related field (Master's preferred). 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in precision metal stamping, sheet metal fabrication, or closely related metal forming disciplines. 5+ years of direct people management experience, including hiring and developing engineering staff. Demonstrated experience supporting at least two of three target industries: automotive, electronics, or medical devices. Deep proficiency in progressive and/or transfer die design, tooling materials, and press mechanics. Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5). Familiarity with IATF 16949 or

ISO 13485

quality management requirements. Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) and CAM/simulation tools. Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple concurrent programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Six Sigma Black Belt / Green Belt certification. Experience with automation integration (robotic part handling, vision systems, in-die sensing). Knowledge of surface finishing, plating specifications, and secondary operations common in electronics and medical components. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Epicor, or similar) in a job-shop or high-volume stamping environment. Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process control (SPC).

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical Expertise in Metal Forming
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer Relationship Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking & Innovation
• Talent Development & Coaching
• Regulatory & Quality Mindset
• Change Management

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in both an office/engineering environment and on the manufacturing floor. The Director is expected to spend regular time on the production floor engaging with press operators, toolmakers, and quality personnel. Ability to walk production areas, stand for extended periods, and observe precision stamping operations is required. Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs. PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear) required in production areas.