- Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Director of Engineering
Location: Farmington, NH
Onsite Flexibility
Onsite Flexibility: Onsite
Job Details
- Position Type: Direct Placement
- Pay / Salary: $150,000-170,000 / Year (USD)
- Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Job Summary
The Director of Engineering is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the successful design, development, launch, and profitability of all programs and products. This position provides strategic oversight for both Development Engineering and Production Engineering, ensuring seamless execution from concept through full-scale manufacturing. The Director of Engineering will lead innovation initiatives, establish world-class manufacturing processes, and build a high-performing engineering organization that supports product excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term business growth.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Lead and develop the Engineering organization, including Development Engineering and Production Engineering teams
- Establish and execute engineering strategies that align with company objectives, product roadmap, and growth initiatives
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Develop and track key engineering performance metrics (KPIs) to drive productivity, quality, and profitability
- Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic business decisions
Product Development & Program Execution
- Lead engineering execution for all new product development initiatives and program launches
- Partner with leadership, sales, and operations to support product strategy and market opportunities
- Ensure disciplined program planning, readiness reviews, and successful transition from development to production
- Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) leadership to ensure robust, scalable, and cost-effective product designs
- Support quoting and proposal development through accurate labor and material estimates
Manufacturing Engineering & Operational Excellence
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, automation, and controls
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput
- Establish best-in-class engineering and manufacturing practices that improve product quality and operational performance
- Provide engineering support for production optimization and process improvement initiatives
- Leverage KPI-driven analysis to improve cycle time, cost efficiency, and product consistency
Resource & Budget Management
- Manage engineering personnel, capital equipment, software systems, and operational resources
- Develop and maintain departmental budgets
- Ensure efficient allocation of engineering resources to support business priorities
- Evaluate and implement technology investments that improve engineering and manufacturing capabilities
Talent Development & Team Leadership
- Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering talent
- Build clear career development pathways for engineering team members
- Identify training needs and foster technical growth across the department
- Create a high-performance environment focused on ownership, accountability, and professional development
Production Support & Compliance
- Ensure manufacturing documentation, process travelers, and engineering standards remain accurate and current
- Maintain compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
- Ensure engineering standards, labor routings, material requirements, and workflows are properly maintained within ERP systems
- Support cross-functional efforts to continuously improve operational execution
Required Experience
- Minimum 5 years of progressive engineering leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience within the shooting sports, firearms, or precision manufacturing industry
- Proven success leading new product introductions from concept through production launch
- Extensive experience developing manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and production systems
Required Skills
Technical Expertise
- Strong Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement background
- Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing planning systems
- Demonstrated success driving measurable operational improvements
- Deep understanding of manufacturing engineering principles, process development, and product launch execution
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Proven ability to influence at all organizational levels
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment
Education Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline required
- Master's Degree preferred
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
- This is an on-site role, 5 days/week in Farmington, NH
Benefits
- Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans
- 401k Retirement Fund
Important Notes
1. 30-minute Teams call with Gregg 2. 30-minute Teams call with VP of Operations 3. 1-2 hour on-site interview