Associate Director of Engineering

Reed Manufacturing Company; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Manufacturing is seeking an Associate Director of Engineering to mentor the current engineering and quality teams and lead key initiatives. The role focuses on strategy, project delivery, and cross-functional collaboration with product development and manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in engineering, proven leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a managerial role within an engineering department.
• Strong technical background with development of new products.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with ISO, Lean Manufacturing, or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and quality teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Develop and implement engineering and quality strategies, goals, and objectives that align with the company's vision and business goals.
• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless project integration and execution.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability within the engineering team.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage resource allocation, budgeting, and scheduling for engineering projects.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to maintain the company's competitive edge.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Strategic planning

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master's degree

Tools

PTC Creo

Infor Syteline CSI10

Job description

Reports to: Director of Engineering
Posted: 10/28/26

This is a developmental leadership position to prepare the successful candidate to assume the Director of Engineering role. The individual will work closely with the current Director of Engineering, receiving hands on training and mentoring in technical, operational, leadership and strategic responsibilities of the position.

The Associate Director of Engineering will be responsible for overseeing the engineering and quality teams, managing projects, and ensuring the successful execution of engineering and quality initiatives. This role requires a strong technical background, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the team.

A positive, results-oriented, take-charge attitude. A sense of urgency, dependable, reliable, and excellent written/verbal communication skills are required. Have a detail-oriented, organized, and able to work under pressure with strong leadership and team management capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities/Objectives:

• Lead and manage the engineering and quality teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Develop and implement engineering and quality strategies, goals, and objectives that align with the company's vision and business goals.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless project integration and execution.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability within the engineering team.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Manage resource allocation, budgeting, and scheduling for engineering projects.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to maintain the company's competitive edge.

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Mechanical Engineering Technology, etc.) or a related field
• Master's degree is a plus.

Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

• Proven experience in a managerial role in an engineering department or in a similar leadership role within the engineering field.
• Strong technical background and expertise with the development of new products.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Experience with ISO, Lean Manufacturing, or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.

Minimum Additional Training:

• None

Other Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (excel, outlook, word, teams.)
• Working knowledge of engineering software. PTC CREO preferred.
• Working Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) INFOR (Syteline) CSI10 preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting/Moving 0-20 lbs.; Occasional
• Lifting/Moving 20-50 lbs.; Seldom
• Ability to move over 50 lbs. using lifting aide equipment; Seldom
• Driving; Occasional
• Pushing/Pulling; Seldom
• Climbing/Accessing Heights; Seldom
• Standing; Occasional
• Walking; Occasional
• Talking / Hearing; Frequent
• Writing; Occasional
• Manual Keying/Data Entry; Frequent

Seldom (<10%), Occasional (10% - 50%), Frequent (50% - 80%), Constant (>80%) The above description covers the most significant responsibilities, objectives, and background requirements, but does not exclude other less important elements of the job that also may be required.

All employees must assist in housekeeping and ensure that their area is always kept clean and orderly.

CORE VALUES:

The company culture at Reed Manufacturing is built on shared core values – Decent Human Beings with Energy, Determination, Solutions Focus and Service Orientation. Decent Human Beings (DHB) bring integrity, dedication and a positive attitude to REED and the community. Energy and Determination shine through people invested and interested in their work and a high-quality outcome. Solutions focused persons propel REED forward in resolving issues and removing obstacles. Service oriented associates put others ahead of themselves for the collective good.

REED uses these principles to guide all decision-making and action within our organization. We review, reward and recognize REED Associates based on these core values. If these values resonate with you, a career with REED is the perfect place for you to succeed.

REED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.