About the Opportunity
Foster Conner International has been retained on a confidential basis by an established manufacturer of transformers to identify a Director of Engineering to lead engineering design and development for the organization's assigned region.
Position Summary
The Director of Engineering will combine strategic leadership with hands-on engineering management, overseeing the daily operations of the engineering department while driving the design, development, and production of high-quality distribution transformers. This is a highly visible role for an engineering leader who wants ownership of both the technical direction and the team building it.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute engineering department strategy in alignment with broader organizational goals
- Partner with other department leaders to align engineering initiatives with business priorities, budgets, and timelines
- Identify and champion new technologies, materials, and processes that improve product performance and reduce cost
- Represent the engineering function in cross-functional leadership discussions and company-wide decision-making
- Own the engineering budget and ensure effective allocation of resources
Engineering Management
- Manage day-to-day engineering operations, including sales, production, and quality support
- Maintain design compliance with applicable industry standards and certifications, including ANSI, ASTM, IEEE, CSA, and DOE
- Build departmental capability and capacity through skill assessment, training, and strategic hiring to meet customer demand and sales forecasts
- Regularly evaluate engineering practices and procedures and implement best practices
- Establish and track departmental OKRs and KPIs to scale productivity
Team Leadership
- Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
- Conduct performance reviews, deliver feedback, and develop team members through coaching and goal setting
- Drive collaboration across engineering, production, and quality to optimize workflows and resolve technical challenges
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment; experience in transformer or electrical equipment manufacturing strongly preferred
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in electrical distribution equipment design and application of industry standards such as ANSI, ASTM, IEEE, and CSA
- Knowledge of transformer design and associated manufacturing processes a plus
- Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools (CAD, FEA, simulation software) and ERP/productivity software
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
Leadership & Management Skills
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams and foster cross-functional collaboration
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
