Director of Engineering Operations

SPIRIT ELECTRONICS; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Electronics is seeking a Director of Engineering Operations to lead testing, qualification, and contract manufacturing across our lab, CCA, and value-added services. You will mentor teams, align operations with strategic goals, and drive performance.

The role requires 10+ years in engineering with leadership, a bachelor’s in Electrical/Aerospace, and strong experience in defense standards, ERP systems, and budgeting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s in Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in semiconductor testing, environmental screening, temperature testing, PEM Qualification.
• Familiar with MIL-STD-883 and AS9100.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• ERP, financial analysis, and project management proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering operations in testing, qualification, and CCA/contract manufacturing.
• Mentor engineering teams and manage complex projects.
• Ensure compliance with defense standards and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and technology adoption.
• Manage department budgets and resource planning.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Testing & Qualification

CCA

Contract Manufacturing

Data Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Budgeting

ERP Systems

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP Systems

PCB Design Tools

National Instruments

Simulation Tools

Project Management Tools

Job description

About this position

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 Operations to lead our engineering teams across testing, qualification, and contract manufacturing. This role is critical in ensuring excellence across our test lab, circuit card assembly (CCA) line, and all value-added services. The Director will oversee key engineering functions, mentor team members, manage complex projects, and align operations with company objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead engineering operations in:
  • Electrical Testing (ATE, Rack & Stack, Bench)
  • Environmental & Analytical Testing
  • Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) & Contract Manufacturing
• Manage value-added engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery of reports, components, and data packages.
• Oversee resource planning and cross-functional coordination across teams.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to improve quality and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, MIL-STD-883, and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align engineering with strategic goals.
• Drive continuous improvement and technology adoption.
• Support customer technical engagements and maintain supplier/partner relationships.
• Maintain and optimize lab equipment and assembly infrastructure.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering talent.
• Manage department budgets and financial performance.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of engineering experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s in Electrical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline (Master’s preferred).
• Strong technical experience in:
  • Semiconductor/component testing (ATE, National Instruments)
  • 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 and large-scale technical projects.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, financial analysis, and project management tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in financial modeling and engineering operations budgeting.
• Background in high-reliability microelectronics for aerospace and defense.