Director of Engineering

SPIRIT ELECTRONICS; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Electronics is seeking a Director of Engineering to provide strategic technical leadership across the Engineering organization in Phoenix. You will guide semiconductor testing, qualification, failure analysis, and CCA, while mentoring engineers and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.

You will partner with Sales, Programs, and Quality to define technical solutions, develop roadmaps, and drive capability expansion for high-reliability microelectronics in aerospace and defense

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline (master’s preferred).
• Strong technical experience in semiconductor/component testing, environmental screening, temperature testing, PEM qualification, failure analysis and device evaluation, PCB layout, simulation, and design tools.
• Knowledge of defense/aerospace standards (MIL-STD-883, AS9100).
• Proven track record of managing engineering teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Background in high-reliability microelectronics for aerospace and defense.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical leadership, direction, and accountability for the Engineering department.
• Lead engineering activities supporting electrical test engineering, lab activities, and process and analytical testing, qualification, screening, failure analysis, and device evaluation.
• Oversee Circuit Card Assembly (CCA), contract manufacturing, PCB design, and related value-added services.
• Establish engineering standards, technical methodologies, design practices, documentation requirements, and review processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for complex engineering challenges, customer requirements, test strategies, qualification plans, and root-cause investigations.
• Oversee the development, validation, and continuous improvement of test programs, fixtures, processes, and engineering solutions.
• Review and approve engineering reports, test plans, drawings, specifications, and other engineering deliverables.
• As required to support engineering department, ensure compliance with AS9100, MIL-STD-883, and customer specifications.
• Partner with Quality to support corrective actions, failure investigations, process validation, audits, and technical compliance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Sales, Programs, and customers to evaluate requirements, define technical solutions, support proposals, and identify new engineering capabilities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, equipment, software, and engineering methods that expand Spirit's capabilities.
• Develop engineering roadmaps and capability plans aligned with company strategy and growth objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers and technical staff; support succession and professional development.
• Support hiring and workforce planning to ensure department has necessary technical expertise.
• Manage engineering priorities, project execution, and technical resources with focus on quality, schedule, and customer commitments.
• Develop and manage the Engineering department budget with capital equipment and technology investments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

BSc in Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About this position

Description:

Company Description:

Spirit Electronics is a veteran-owned, woman-owned value-added supplier of high reliability components, engineering services and superior supply chain solutions. With a history rooted in serving the military and space industries, Spirit strives to be a valued partner to key technology sectors. As an award-winning distributor, Spirit delivers authorized products and a range of value-added services, including SMI/VMI, foundry access, electrical and environmental testing, design, assembly, and end-of-life management.

Position Overview:

Spirit Electronics is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Engineering to provide technical leadership and direction across the Engineering organization. This role is responsible for advancing Spirit's engineering capabilities in semiconductor and component testing, qualification, failure analysis, circuit card assembly (CCA), and other value-added engineering services. The Director will lead and develop engineering talent, establish technical standards and methodologies, guide complex engineering programs, and ensure engineering solutions meet customer, quality, and aerospace and defense requirements. This position serves as a senior technical leader and key partner to Sales, Programs, Quality, and Operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide overall technical leadership, direction, and accountability for the Engineering department.
• Lead engineering activities supporting electrical test engineering, lab activities, and process and analytical testing, qualification, screening, failure analysis, and device evaluation.
• Oversee Circuit Card Assembly (CCA), contract manufacturing, PCB design, and related value-added services.
• Establish engineering standards, technical methodologies, design practices, documentation requirements, and review processes.
• Serve as the technical authority for complex engineering challenges, customer requirements, test strategies, qualification plans, and root-cause investigations.
• Oversee the development, validation, and continuous improvement of test programs, fixtures, processes, and engineering solutions.
• Review and approve engineering reports, test plans, drawings, specifications, and other engineering deliverables. As required to support engineering department.
• Oversee engineering activities comply with AS9100, MIL-STD-883, customer specifications, and applicable aerospace and defense requirements.
• Partner with Quality to support corrective actions, failure investigations, process validation, audits, and technical compliance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Sales, Programs, and customers to evaluate requirements, define technical solutions, support proposals, and identify new engineering capabilities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, equipment, software, and engineering methods that expand Spirit's technical capabilities and value-added service offerings.
• Develop engineering roadmaps and capability plans aligned with company strategy, customer demand, and growth objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineers and technical staff; establish clear performance expectations and support succession and professional development.
• Support hiring and workforce planning to ensure the department has the technical expertise necessary to meet current and future business needs.
• Manage engineering priorities, project execution, and technical resources while maintaining focus on quality, schedule, and customer commitments.
• Develop and manage the Engineering department budget, including capital equipment and technology investments, in partnership with executive leadership.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline (master’s preferred).
• Strong technical experience in: Semiconductor/component testing, Environmental screening, temperature testing, PEM Qualification, Failure analysis and device evaluation, PCB layout, simulation, and design tools
• Knowledge of defense/aerospace standards (MIL-STD-883, AS9100).
• Proven track record of managing engineering teams
• Proficiency in ERP systems
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Background in high-reliability microelectronics for aerospace and defense.