Director of Fabrication & Engineering Solutions

Socket.dev; Romeoville (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks a Director – Fabrication and Engineering Solutions to lead growth and development in fabrication and engineered solutions. You will drive revenue and margin growth, identify new markets, and strengthen customer and supplier relationships while leading a team of product specialists.

The role requires full-time, on-site presence in Romeoville, IL, with travel to customers and industry events as needed. A strong manufacturing background and commercial leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Industrial knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication processes.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute growth strategies for revenue and margin growth.
• Identify new markets, customers, applications, and sourcing opportunities.
• Expand presence in targeted industries and strategic accounts.
• Lead quotation opportunities with product specialists and internal teams.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Lead and develop a team of product specialists to support the strategy.

Skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Technical credibility

Commercial leadership

Customer-focused mindset

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Turn manufacturing capabilities into engineered customer solutions—and customer opportunities into growth.

We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven Director – Fabrication and Engineering Solutions to lead the growth and development of our fabrication and engineered solutions business. This highly visible leadership role will be responsible for developing growth strategies, expanding into new markets, strengthening key customer and supplier relationships, and helping our sales teams bring innovative fabrication and engineering solutions to customers.

This is an opportunity for a leader who understands both the technical side of manufacturing and the commercial side of the business—someone who can recognize opportunities, develop solutions, build relationships, and turn strategy into measurable growth.

Location

This position requires full-time, on-site presence in Romeoville, Illinois and traveling to customers, company locations, trade shows, and industry events will be required.

What You'll Do

As Director – Fabrication and Engineering Solutions, you will take a hands-on leadership role in expanding our fabrication business and strengthening our position in key markets.

Drive Growth & Strategy

• Develop and execute strategies focused on revenue and margin growth
• Identify and pursue new markets, customers, applications, and sourcing opportunities
• Expand our presence within targeted industries and strategic accounts
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and industry developments to identify new opportunities
• Use market data and customer feedback to continuously refine our strategy and solution offerings

Build Customer & Industry Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and strategic partners
• Conduct sales calls with current and prospective customers
• Provide technical and engineering expertise during customer meetings and solution development
• Lead major quotation opportunities in partnership with product specialists and internal teams
• Help customers identify fabrication and engineering solutions that improve performance and add value
• Represent the organization at trade shows, customer events, and other industry functions

Lead & Develop the Team

• Hire, develop, and lead product specialists who support our fabrication and engineering solutions strategy
• Partner closely with branch sales teams to identify opportunities and increase penetration within target markets
• Coach sales teams on effectively positioning our fabrication capabilities and engineered solutions
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer focus, and continuous improvement
• Communicate meaningful market intelligence to internal teams, customers, and suppliers

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate combines manufacturing knowledge, technical credibility, commercial leadership, and a strong customer-focused mindset.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 5–8+ years of relevant manufacturing, engineering, technical sales, or commercial experience
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes, applications, and engineered solutions
• Demonstrated success driving business growth and developing new opportunities
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong customer and supplier relationships
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-development skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into practical, compelling customer solutions
• Strong business judgment and ability to make data-informed decisions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Willingness and ability to travel as business needs require

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future growth of our fabrication and engineering solutions business. You’ll work across sales, operations, engineering, customers, suppliers, and leadership to identify opportunities and develop solutions that strengthen customer relationships and expand our capabilities in the marketplace.

If you are a strategic leader with a strong manufacturing background who enjoys building business, solving customer challenges, developing teams, and turning technical capabilities into growth opportunities, we want to hear from you.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Focus on Diversity

We believe cultivating an inclusive workplace where employee belonging and empowerment are foundational to everything we do. The unique insights and experiences of our diverse teams are what fuel our safe, profitable growth.