DIrector of Engineering

H. T. PROF Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

H. T. PROF Group is seeking an Engineering Director in Charlotte, NC to lead our growing engineering team.

This hands-on leadership role combines management with direct product design, development, and testing in a lab-driven environment. You will oversee day-to-day operations, project execution across five direct reports, and collaborate with the Chief Engineer on quality and NPD initiatives. On-site work is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in progressive engineering roles in manufacturing.
• Minimum 2 years of formal supervision of engineers.
• Hands-on product design ownership and development.
• Lab testing experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Proficient with CAD-based design and reviewing 3D models.
• On-site only in Charlotte, NC; US work authorization required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct line management, performance reviews, and professional development for the engineering team.
• Onboard, mentor, and rebuild a highly collaborative department.
• Manage project scheduling, prioritization, and resource allocation across multiple product lines.
• Triage and approve Engineering Change Notices (ECN) as a first-line filter.
• Oversee day-to-day plant quality functions, including inbound parts inspection, in-process QC, and outbound quality control.
• Manage the customer returns process and coordinate vendor quality rejects.
• Monitor quality metrics, manage QC personnel, and elevate systemic issues to the Chief Engineer for technical resolution.
• Actively participate in hands-on product testing and R&D within our certified lab.
• Lead test planning for gas appliances, ventilation, and electric heating product lines.
• Coordinate witness testing schedules with third-party certification agencies (e.g., CSA, BSI, ETL).
• Drive New Product Development (NPD) projects from initial concept through to manufacturing launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional timelines with sales, operations, purchasing, and quality.
• Support the sourcing process, supplier outreach, and sample tracking alongside our Sourcing Engineer.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Hands-on engineering

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

We are seeking an active, hands-on Engineering Director to lead our growing engineering department. This is a "working manager" role designed for a collaborative leader who enjoys being present in the lab and directly contributing to product design, development, and testing alongside their team.

In this role, you will manage day-to-day operations, project execution, and a talented team of five direct reports (including project engineers, sourcing, and lab personnel). You will work in a parallel partnership with our Chief Engineer, who serves as the ultimate technical and compliance authority, allowing you to focus on department leadership, workflow execution, quality oversight, and hands‑on engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management & Development

Provide direct line management, performance reviews, and professional development for the engineering team.

Onboard, mentor, and rebuild a highly collaborative department.

Manage project scheduling, prioritization, and resource allocation across multiple product lines.

Triage and approve Engineering Change Notices (ECN) as a first-line filter.

Quality Control Oversight

Oversee day-to-day plant quality functions, including inbound parts inspection, in‑process QC, and outbound quality control.

Manage the customer returns process and coordinate vendor quality rejects.

Monitor quality metrics, manage QC personnel, and elevate systemic issues to the Chief Engineer for technical resolution.

Product Testing & Hands‑On Lab Contribution

Actively participate in hands‑on product testing and R&D within our certified lab.

Lead test planning for gas appliances, ventilation, and electric heating product lines.

Coordinate witness testing schedules with third‑party certification agencies (e.g., CSA, BSI, ETL).

Project Management & NPD

Drive New Product Development (NPD) projects from initial concept through to manufacturing launch.

Coordinate cross‑functional timelines with sales, operations, purchasing, and quality.

Support the sourcing process, supplier outreach, and sample tracking alongside our Sourcing Engineer.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Layer 1 Filters)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.

Leadership: Minimum of 2 years of formal, documented supervisory experience with direct reports (technical engineering personnel). (Note: Informal mentoring or team lead experience without direct reports will not satisfy this requirement).

Design Background: Hands‑on product design and development experience is required. (Candidates with backgrounds solely in testing, quality, or analysis without design ownership will not be prioritized).

Testing Familiarity: Comfortable working directly in a lab setting, performing physical product testing.

CAD/Systems: Working familiarity with CAD‑based product design processes to review and discuss 3D models with the team.

Location: Must be able to work 100% on‑site at our Charlotte, NC facility (no remote/hybrid options).

Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Attributes

Experience in thermal, combustion, or HVAC manufacturing (e.g., gas‑fired heating, commercial ventilation, or electric heating systems).

Strong understanding of agency certification processes (UL, CSA, ETL, or equivalent).

Experience implementing Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.

Proven track record of onboarding, building, and scaling engineering teams.