KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Wenzel Associates is seeking a seasoned engineering leader to drive the Engineering organization as they experience significant growth and expansion.  The Engineering Director will lead a team of technical roles across multiple disciplines from design, manufacturing and quality. This role leads and manage the design, development, and execution of Wenzels new technologies and new products for the company’s key markets: Space and Military. This is a senior leadership position; this person will partner with the executive leadership team, business units, functional support, and shared services organizations to develop, implement and deliver engineering processes, strategies, policies, and programs to meet the company’s business objectives. and provides direction for critical technical decisions. 

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

o Drive development and implementation of Best-In-Class Product Development processes and Engineering Disciplines in Aerospace & Defense consistent with the Quality System and corporate policies, through application of Lean processes and Design for Six Sigma methods and techniques. i.e. Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, A&D Program Management processes, Gate Review process, Material Review Boards, etc. 

o Ensure availability of the right tools and resources for meeting program requirements with high-quality results, in a cost-effective and schedule-responsive manner.

o Manage departments development and execute processes to continually enhance the manufacturing capabilities within defined specifications within budgetary constraints and on a timely basis.

o Ensure compliance with all applicable standards and regulations related to Quality Management System, or generated to design, produce, and support products.

o Manage and develop a high-performing team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.

o Oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, including but not limited to the release of design documents to manufacturing, production planning, reporting, scheduling, and resource allocation.

o Develop and help implement overall corporate strategy for new product directions and help to identify new customer base.

o Prepare, monitor, and adhere to annual operating and capital equipment budgets.

 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE /QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of direct engineering management experience leading multiple desicplines in Electical, Software, Mechanical, Optical, and/or Systems Engineering.  

• Experience leading and improving an Engineering organization and/or division through proven methods (i.e. Lean Six Sigma). Knowledge and demonstrated track record in identifying, developing, and implementing “best practices” from world-class A&D engineering organizations. 

• Must have demonstrated leadership capability in a specialized, technical product design development environment.

• Deep Aerospace & Defense market knowledge of highly complex RF and microwave sub-assemblies and/or relevant component products.

• Experience executing and managing within a metrically driven organization.

• Ability to establish personal relationships with customers and leaders at all levels; establish and maintain presence as a liaiason between program managers and engineers.

• Must possess solid knowledge of US Government procurement processes and contacts to enable existing and identify new direct and indirect growth opportunities.

• Position requires a Security Clearance from the government.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• Possesses excellent communication, leadership, presentation, and analytical skills.

• This key executive must be a business savvy engineering executive who understands how to manage and develop talented engineers while at the same time delivering on measurable improvements to engineering quality, delivery, and profitability metrics.

• A bias for action and an orientation towards problem-solving rather than identifying problem areas.

• Sets the standard for personal integrity, honesty, teamwork, and public accountability so as to motivate the entire team to the highest levels of commitment and personal effort. 

• A belief that organizations can be continually adaptive and improving.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or a related Technical field; an advanced degree Masters is preferred.