Director of Engineering (EMS Contract Manufacturing)

Australia-Employment; Beacon Falls (CT); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Annual performance bonus

Generous PTO & sick leave

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a hands-on Director of Engineering to lead the EMS contract manufacturing operations in Beacon Falls, CT. This role will drive Lean initiatives, process improvements, and NPI support while developing a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced PCB/SMT environment.

The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years in electronics contract manufacturing, strong Lean expertise, and hands-on SMT process knowledge. ITAR eligibility and US citizenship are required.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT/PCB environment).
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams (engineering or maintenance).
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement.
• Hands-on experience with SMT processes (pick-and-place, reflow, inspection).
• ITAR eligibility required; US Citizen due to ITAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Identify and drive process improvements across SMT lines, PCB assembly, and supporting operations
• Implement and sustain Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work)
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and drive corrective actions
• Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime through structured problem-solving methodologies
• Oversee engineering activities related to process development, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Partner with production to resolve complex technical and process challenges
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and ensure smooth transition into production
• Drive best practices across SMT processes including soldering, reflow, pick-and-place, inspection
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for engineering and operations teams
• Identify skill gaps and implement training / development plans
• Partner with quality, supply chain, and production leadership to align operational goals
• Drive collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams to improve execution
• Support customer needs and ensure alignment with delivery and quality expectations

Skills

SMT/PCB experience

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Problem-solving

Job description

Director of Engineering (EMS Contract Manufacturing)

$160000 - $180000 per year | Beacon Falls, CT | On-site | Permanent

Strong engineering leader needed with extensive PCB & SMT experience / Relocation assistance available

A bit about us:

We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Operations Leader to drive performance, efficiency, and team development within a fast-paced SMT / PCB manufacturing environment. This role will lead engineering and operations initiatives focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence, while developing and scaling a high-performing technical team.

The ideal candidate brings a strong Lean Manufacturing mindset, deep experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT/PCB), and the ability to drive accountability and measurable results across the organization.

Relocation assistance available for those not local to the area

Why join us?

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance
• Annual performance bonus
• Generous PTO & sick leave

Job Details

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Identify and drive process improvements across SMT lines, PCB assembly, and supporting operations
• Implement and sustain Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, etc.)
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and drive corrective actions
• Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime through structured problem-solving methodologies

Engineering Leadership

• Oversee engineering activities related to process development, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Partner with production to resolve complex technical and process challenges
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and ensure smooth transition into production
• Drive best practices across SMT processes including soldering, reflow, pick-and-place, inspection, etc.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for engineering and operations teams
• Identify skill gaps and implement training / development plans

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with quality, supply chain, and production leadership to align operational goals
• Drive collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams to improve execution
• Support customer needs and ensure alignment with delivery and quality expectations

Qualifications:

Required:

• 7-10+ years of experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT / PCB environment required)
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams (engineering or maintenance)
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement
• Hands-on experience with SMT processes (pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, etc.)
• Demonstrated success driving operational efficiency, process improvements, and accountability
• ITAR eligibility required; experience working in an ITAR-regulated environment is a strong plus
• Individual must be a US Citizen due to ITAR regulations

Preferred:

• IPC certification (IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, etc.)
• Experience with high-mix, low-volume or high-speed production environments
• Exposure to automation, process engineering, or advanced manufacturing technologies

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.