Sr. Director of Engineering

JMJ PHILLIP; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking a Sr. Director of Engineering to provide strategic and technical leadership across engineering initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure programs align with broader business objectives.

You will lead engineering teams, oversee major programs from concept through completion, collaborate with operations, manufacturing, quality, and product development, and champion continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant progressive engineering leadership experience in manufacturing, industrial, technology, or related environment.
• Proven ability to develop and execute engineering strategies aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to engineering teams and technical functions.
• Establish engineering priorities, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Develop and mentor engineering leaders and technical professionals.
• Build a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee major engineering programs and complex technical projects from concept through completion.
• Allocate engineering resources effectively across multiple priorities.
• Monitor progress, risks, and technical challenges and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate engineering priorities and progress to senior leadership.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking a Sr. Director of Engineering to provide strategic and technical leadership across engineering initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure engineering programs align with broader business objectives. This role will lead engineering teams, oversee complex projects, and foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to engineering teams and technical functions.
• Establish engineering priorities, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Develop and mentor engineering leaders and technical professionals.
• Build a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Engineering Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and execute long-term engineering strategies aligned with business goals.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and engineering solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Promote the adoption of engineering best practices and technical standards.

Program & Project Management

• Oversee major engineering programs and complex technical projects from concept through completion.
• Ensure projects meet established scope, schedule, budget, quality, and performance objectives.
• Allocate engineering resources effectively across multiple priorities.
• Monitor project progress, risks, and technical challenges and implement appropriate corrective actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, product development, and other business functions.
• Translate business requirements into practical engineering strategies and solutions.
• Support resolution of complex technical and operational issues.
• Communicate engineering priorities, progress, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes and technical operations.
• Establish and monitor engineering performance metrics.
• Promote effective problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and process optimization.
• Ensure engineering activities follow applicable quality, safety, regulatory, and industry requirements.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage engineering budgets and resource plans.
• Evaluate capital investments, equipment, technology, and other engineering expenditures.
• Balance technical requirements with financial and operational objectives.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant progressive engineering leadership experience in a manufacturing, industrial, technology, or related environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and complex technical programs.
• Strong understanding of engineering processes, product development, manufacturing, or technical operations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute engineering strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and executive leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and resources.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Other engineering, technical, or industry-specific certifications.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive compensation with a salary of up to $225,000 annually.
• Opportunity to provide strategic leadership across engineering and technical initiatives.
• Ability to influence innovation, operational excellence, and long-term business performance.
• Opportunity to lead and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Exposure to complex technical programs and cross-functional business initiatives.
• Significant leadership visibility and opportunities for professional growth.

Why Dale?

Dale offers a professional environment with access to established industrial and business networks, skilled talent, and opportunities for collaboration across multiple industries. The area provides a strong setting for engineering leadership professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact through innovation, operational improvement, and technical excellence.