Director of Engineering

BrightHire Search Partners

Nashville (TN)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading recruiting firm is seeking a Director of Engineering in Nashville, TN. The role involves setting the technical vision and overseeing the engineering organization for new product development focused on gas-fired heaters and electric heat pumps. Candidates must have over 12 years of engineering leadership experience and a strong background in HVAC systems. The position requires collaboration with executives and commitment to innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance. This full-time role offers a chance to impact electrification strategies while maintaining high standards for product delivery.

Qualifications

Over 12 years of engineering leadership experience in product development and manufacturing.
Experience managing outsourced engineering resources and strategic vendors.
Willingness to travel ~10%.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the engineering and technology strategy for gas heating and heat pump products.
Own the complete technology roadmap balancing various factors.
Partner with C-level executives to develop prioritized engineering programs.

Skills

Progressive engineering leadership

Leading multidisciplinary engineering teams

Experience in HVAC and thermal management

Exceptional program governance

Executive communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced coursework in combustion engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Director of Engineering responsible for setting the technical vision, roadmap, and execution discipline for all new product development (NPD) and sustaining engineering activities for gas-fired heaters and electric heat pumps. This role leads a multidisciplinary engineering organization and is accountable for innovation, portfolio performance, regulatory compliance, safety, and on-time/high-quality product delivery in a highly regulated thermal-systems environment. The Director plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s electrification strategy through advanced heat pump platforms while continuing to advance high-efficiency, low-emissions combustion technology.

Key Responsibilities

Define and execute the multi-year engineering and technology strategy for gas heating and heat pump products in alignment with corporate growth and sustainability goals
Own the complete technology roadmap, balancing innovation, cost, performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability
Advance combustion-system architecture (modular platforms, heat exchangers, burners, ignition/controls, low-NOx solutions) and heat pump performance (high COP, variable-speed, cold-climate capability)
Partner with C-level executives to translate business objectives into prioritized engineering programs and investment plans

Required Qualifications

12+ years of progressive engineering leadership in product development and manufacturing environments
8+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, HVAC, controls, test)
Proven track record taking complex thermal systems from concept through commercialization
Deep experience in HVAC, heating systems, thermal management, combustion appliances, or related fields
Direct hands-on or leadership experience with gas burner design, heat exchangers, ignition systems, emissions compliance, or heat pump technology strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to balance breakthrough innovation with disciplined execution
Experience managing outsourced engineering resources and strategic vendors
Exceptional program governance and executive communication skills
Willingness to travel ~10%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline
Advanced coursework or training in combustion engineering, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or HVAC systems

Seniority level