Director of Engineering - Composite Aircraft Manufacturing

Janicki; Richmond; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 257,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Health benefits

Paid time off

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Janicki Industries seeks a Director of Engineering to lead our manufacturing engineering teams and drive performance in a fast-paced environment. You will shape strategy, mentor leaders, and coordinate cross-functional programs across aerospace and related industries.

This on-site role requires a strong engineering background and a track record of delivering complex programs on time and on budget. As a catalyst for continuous improvement, you will establish KPIs, manage schedules and resources,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 7–10+ years in Program Manager or Senior Engineering roles in manufacturing.
• Proven track record delivering complex programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience influencing across all levels, from engineers to executives.
• Strong English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and vision to the Engineering team.
• Lead day-to-day execution of engineering programs and ensure alignment with strategy.
• Build and manage program schedules, resources, and risk plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and maintain clear accountability.
• Serve as primary problem-solver for program risks and execution challenges.
• Establish, monitor, and report KPIs to support continuous improvement.
• Mentor and strengthen leadership across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Mentoring

English language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CATIA

NX CAD

SAP

Job description

At Janicki Industries, we turn complex ideas into real-world solutions through advanced engineering and manufacturing. Our teams design and build innovative structures, tooling, and systems that support industries including aerospace, space, defense, marine, and architecture.

Across every role, from engineers and technicians to operations and support teams, our people help solve challenging problems, push the limits of design and manufacturing, and create solutions that make a lasting impact.

We are seeking to hire a Director of Engineering to join our growing team.

This position is located on-site in Hamilton, Washington State.

Position Description

The Director of Engineering will leverage their strong manufacturing background and engineering experience to manage knowledgeable engineering teams. You will be a technical subject management expert who drives performance in a busy production environment. The Director of Engineering develops individuals, teams, and company procedures to support the vision and demands of continuous improvement and growth.

The position requires the execution of the following essential job functions:

• Provides leadership and vision to the Engineering team. Lead organizational improvements, high-impact initiatives, and transformation efforts
• Lead day-to-day execution of engineering programs, ensuring alignment with strategy and delivery goals
• Build and manage program schedules, resources, and risk plans to support on-time, on-budget delivery
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure clear accountability and progress toward milestones. Maintain strong communication across teams, leadership, and external partners
• Serve as the primary problem-solver and escalation point for program risks, conflicts, and execution challenges
• Ensures the establishment, monitoring, and reporting of key metrics (KPIs) that support the vision for continuous improvement and growth
• Mentor and strengthen leadership capability across the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
• 7-10+ years’ experience as a Program Manager, Senior Project Engineer, Senior Design Engineer or equivalent position in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrable experience of a track record driving performance in a production environment
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary programs in a fast-paced, evolving technical environment
• Demonstrated ability to influence across all levels of the organization, from engineers to executives
• Strong communication skills through written, verbal, and graphical mediums in the English language
• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate to agree to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field
• Certifications (PMP, Six Sigma, AS9100, Leadership, Quality)
• Proficiency with CATIA, and NX CAD software
• Proficiency with SAP

Additional Information

Wage range for this role is between $130,000 - $185,000 plus a discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off-shifts, off-site work, and access pay. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program
• Several shift options
• Premium pay for off-shifts

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer.

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Afffimative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at [phone].

As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.