Director Mechanical/Product Engineering

Cohu, Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading high-technology firm in California is seeking a Product Engineering Director to lead the local engineering team and drive collaboration with global functional leaders. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Engineering, extensive management experience, and strong leadership skills. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership for mechanical engineering and fostering team performance. The role requires effective communication and the ability to mentor engineers across disciplines. This position includes occasional travel to international locations.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of progressive engineering experience in the high technology field.
• Five years of experience in a management role at a department level.
• Proven record of building and directing engineering operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as a local Engineering Director driving all aspects of product engineering.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for global Mechanical Engineering.
• Mentor and guide local engineering management.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Technical knowledge

Project management

MS Office Suite

AI tools proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Position Summary: The local Product Engineering Director in Poway will be responsible for leading the local engineering team, fostering a culture of performance, and driving collaboration with global functional leaders. This role aims to enhance team spirit, improve communication, and increase motivation and output. The Director will ensure that the local team works towards common goals and adheres to commitments, while also collaborating with global teams to leverage resources and harmonize efforts. The objective is to position Cohu U.S. as a provider of efficient engineering solutions for Pick and Place handling equipment, with an emphasis on thermal engineering.

Responsibilities

• Act as a local Engineering Director, driving all aspects of product engineering while maintaining collaboration with global functional leaders.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and success within the whole local team, including the Software team, Electrical Engineering team, and Program Management team, which will have dotted line reporting to the Director.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for global Mechanical Engineering, reporting directly to the Director.
• Identify and address communication weaknesses, drive discipline, and ensure adherence to commitments.
• Collaborate with global functional leaders and teams in Malaysia, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S. to harmonize efforts and leverage resources.
• Ensure the local team works towards common goals and meets project milestones.
• Act as a mentor and guide for the entire local engineering management.

Managerial Responsibility

Directly lead the global Mechanical Engineering function. Provide dotted line leadership for Electrical, Software, and Program Management teams. Ensure the team works towards common goals and meets project milestones. Collaborate with global functional leaders to harmonize efforts and leverage resources.

Qualifications

• Education/Training: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering; preferably in mechanical or systems engineering. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive engineering experience in the high technology engineering field, with experience in product engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation integration, and/or systems engineering. Requires five years of experience in a management role at a department level; proven record of building and directing world-class engineering operations. Background in semiconductor equipment industry would be a plus; experience with pick and place test and inspection handlers desired.
• Skills/Technical Requirements: Demonstrates natural leadership abilities, capable of leading, inspiring, influencing, and building consensus within the local and global engineering teams. Effective interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills that inspire trust and confidence, both in written and verbal form. Technical engineering knowledge to develop and mentor engineers from all functional disciplines. Ability to manage a local engineering team and multiple projects, including the ability to interface effectively with global teams. Proficiency in MS Office Suite of products, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related software tools. Fluidity in popular AI tools (e.g. Copilot, ChatGPT).

Job Conditions/Physical Demands

Office environment. Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk, use computer keyboard; minimal exertion. Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including travel to international locations such as Europe and Asia.

Protective Devices Required

In required areas.