Director of Product Engineering (Switchgears & PDU)

Sterling Engineering; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks a hands-on Director of Engineering to lead Electrical and Mechanical Design teams focused on low-voltage PDU and switchgear systems for commercial and industrial applications in Richmond, VA.

The ideal candidate will drive design from concept through production, stay close to the technical work, mentor leaders, manage budgets, and partner with Manufacturing, Operations and Product Management to deliver scalable, cost-effective products.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in engineering with leadership of design teams.
• Strong expertise in low-voltage switchgear, PDU, or similar electrical systems.
• Full product lifecycle leadership from concept to production.
• Hands-on design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with CAD tools and PDM/PLM.

Responsibilities

• Lead Electrical and Mechanical Design Engineering functions with 4 direct reports (2 Electrical Engineering Managers and 2 Mechanical Engineering Managers).
• Provide strategic direction for the design and development of low-voltage PDU and switchgear systems.
• Remain hands-on in product design, architecture, and mentoring of engineering teams.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, and Product Management to align from concept through production.
• Drive design for manufacturability, cost optimization, and product scalability across programs.
• Establish objectives, roadmaps, and performance metrics aligned with business goals.
• Lead design reviews and ensure projects meet timeline, cost, and quality targets.
• Oversee development, validation, and production release of new products.
• Continuously improve engineering processes, CAD, PDM, PLM for efficiency and quality.
• Build and retain a high-performing engineering organization with succession planning.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and project prioritization.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Mentoring

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Autodesk CAD

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

Compensation: $180,000-$200,000/year + 20% Bonus + Company Stock

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on, technically strong Director of Engineering to lead our Electrical and Mechanical Design teams focused on the development of low-voltage power distribution equipment (PDU) and switchgear systems for commercial and industrial applications.

This role will oversee a team of engineering leaders and drive the design, development, and delivery of innovative, cost-effective products from concept through production. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in low-voltage switchgear or power distribution systems and brings a balanced leadership style with the ability to stay close to the technical work.

This position is open due to an internal promotion and represents a key leadership opportunity within the organization. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Electrical and Mechanical Design Engineering functions, including 4 direct reports (2 Electrical Engineering Managers and 2 Mechanical Engineering Managers)
• Provide strategic direction and technical leadership for the design and development of low-voltage PDU and switchgear systems
• Remain hands‑on in product design, architecture, and problem‑solving, serving as a technical resource and mentor to engineering teams
• Partner cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Operations, and Product Management to ensure alignment from concept through production
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM), cost optimization, and product scalability across all programs
• Establish and execute engineering objectives, roadmaps, and performance metrics aligned with business goals
• Lead design reviews and ensure projects meet timeline, cost, and quality targets
• Oversee the development, validation, and implementation of new products, including prototyping and production release
• Continuously improve engineering processes, tools, and systems (CAD, PDM, PLM) to enhance efficiency and output quality
• Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing engineering organization, including succession planning and talent development
• Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and project prioritization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s or MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in engineering, with significant leadership experience managing design engineering teams
• Strong expertise in low‑voltage switchgear, power distribution units (PDU), or similar electrical infrastructure products
• Background can be in either electrical or mechanical design, with demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams through full product lifecycle (concept through production)
• Hands‑on experience with product design and development in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM), cost reduction, and production processes
• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Autodesk) and product data management systems (PDM/PLM)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and performance‑based incentives
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
• Competitive stock package, RSU
• Unlimited PTO plan
• 401k Matching
• Great benefits, including Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage at good premiums.
• Growth Opportunities - former Director of Engineering promoted to the Global Team.