Director of Engineering

DISHER; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DISHER in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team in driving project execution and business objectives. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of engineering and project management experience, along with a strong background in food or pharma industries. Responsibilities include planning projects, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. The role offers the chance to make a significant impact in a company dedicated to sustainability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on engineering, project management, and direct people management experience.
• Strong understanding of food, pharma, or relevant industry regulations.
• Ability to balance multiple project demands and pressures.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering projects including planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Define project scope, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Ensure projects meet quality standards and are within budget.

Skills

Leadership and mentorship

Project management

Engineering design

Process systems

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Director of Engineering – Grand Rapids, Michigan

DISHER is currently partnering with a leader in food stabilization in Grand Rapids, MI to fill their Director of Engineering position. In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team, drive project execution, and align R&D/product development initiatives with business objectives. The role combines technical leadership, project management, and financial oversight to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

What it's like to work here:

This small machine design company is committed to reducing waste and improving the planet through transforming underused resources into nutritious, profitable materials. They have a strong commitment to their company values: Selflessly Serve, Trail-Blaze, Direct Honesty, Never Settle, Work Hard Play Hard. All team members are driven by their desire to serve others and create a more sustainable way of living.

What you will get to do:

• Lead engineering projects including planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Define project scope, timelines, resource allocation, budget, and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to company and customer quality standards.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution and processes.
• Provide technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings and specifications.
• Support design and development using CAD tools.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and participate in field activities such as installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Serve as technical escalation point for complex operational issues.
• Interface with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders on technical matters.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse engineering team across disciplines.
• Manage performance, training, and career development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Allocate resources effectively across multiple projects.
• Develop and manage project and departmental budgets.
• Track financial performance, cost controls, and ROI on engineering initiatives.
• Support business strategy by aligning efforts with company goals.
• Collaborate with leadership on planning and forecasting.

What will make you successful:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience, including hands on engineering, project management, field/plant/industrial experience, and direct people management.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Familiar with SolidWorks.
• Experience with design, manufacturing, or process systems.
• Experience with food, pharma, or relevant industry and safety regulations.
• Comfortable driving structure, accountability, and execution across multiple projects.
• Experience coaching, growing, and developing engineers through hands‑on support and guidance.
• Being Comfortable with the pressures of balancing demanding customers, projects, and internal R&D priorities simultaneously.