Global Director of Engineering

Reliant Systems, Inc.; Zimmerman (MN); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation machinery firm based in Minnesota is seeking a Director of Engineering. In this pivotal leadership role, you will spearhead the global engineering strategy, leading a team of 10+ engineers to drive technical excellence and innovation in high-precision motion systems. This full-time position demands a strong background in engineering leadership, with at least 10 years of experience in related industries. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience required.
• Proven expertise in semiconductor, metrology, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global engineering strategy for Reliant Systems.
• Lead a team of 10+ engineers, ensuring technical excellence.
• Drive development of next-generation precision motion systems.

Skills

Engineering leadership experience

Knowledge of high-precision motion systems

Strong communication skills

System integration expertise

Ability to manage global teams

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Reliant Systems, Inc. provided pay range

This range is provided by Reliant Systems, Inc.. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$175,000.00/yr - $225,000.00/yr

General Description

The Director of Engineering is a pivotal leadership role responsible for spearheading the global engineering strategy and driving technical excellence across our US, and upcoming Asian operations.

This person will oversee the design, development, and integration of high-precision motion systems and contract manufacturing solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this role will lead a dynamic team of 10+ engineers and work closely with a contract manufacturing partner in Asia to ensure seamless execution of global initiatives.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Develop and execute a global engineering strategy aligned with Reliant Systems’ growth objectives, including the successful launch of the new Malaysia facility.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to drive innovation, enhance product value propositions, and maintain a competitive edge in high-precision motion systems.
• Define team structures, transitioning the current engineering team into specialized mechanical, electrical, and design engineering units to optimize performance and scalability.

Engineering Management

• Lead and mentor a global team of 10+ engineering professionals, fostering an culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Oversee R&D efforts in the US, ensuring technical consistency across research, new product introduction (NPI), and sustaining engineering initiatives.
• Collaborate with a contract manufacturing partner in Asia (3-4 engineers) to support contract manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with US-based designs and solutions.

Innovation & Product Development

• Drive the development of next-generation precision motion systems tailored for semiconductor, metrology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing markets.
• Implement robust product development processes, including Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), DFx, and comprehensive risk analysis to ensure reliability and scalability.
• Oversee system-level design and integration of mechanics, electronics, and software to deliver high-performance solutions.

Global Operations & Collaboration

• Manage cross-functional engineering projects from concept to full-scale production, ensuring seamless delivery to customers worldwide.
• Facilitate collaboration between US-based R&D teams and Asia-based contract manufacturing teams to resolve design and production challenges.
• Oversee the production of parts in the US for shipment to Asia for assembly, ensuring quality and efficiency for products sold in Asian markets.
• Support US-based manufacturing for domestic sales and ensure alignment with global standards.

Travel

• Occasional travel to Asia to support the Malaysia facility launch and ongoing collaboration with contract manufacturing teams.

Work Experience & Knowledge Requirements

• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience in high-precision motion stages, servo technology, or nanometer-level positioning systems.
• Proven expertise in industries such as semiconductor, metrology inspection, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing, either as a direct participant or as a supplier supporting these sectors.
• Experience with system integration, staging, or front-end/back-end inspection processes.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering preferred, followed by design and electrical engineering expertise.
• Deep understanding of system-level design and integration (mechanics, electronics, software).
• Ability to translate complex technical specifications into customer-focused value propositions.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor diverse, global engineering teams.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to manage cross-functional and cross-regional projects.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Automation Machinery Manufacturing