Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering

Our client, an electronic manufacturing services company is looking for a Director of Engineering for their Newark, NY manufacturing facility. This pivotal leadership role oversees Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Test Engineering teams to ensure world‑class execution in the design and production of mission‑critical, high‑reliability, and advanced electronic assemblies. As part of the site leadership team, this role acts as the bridge between corporate engineering initiatives and site‑level execution, aligning resources to meet dynamic business needs while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.

The Director of Engineering will play a critical role in supporting high‑tier customers, providing both technical expertise and project management leadership. This position requires a seasoned engineering leader with a proven track record of building strong teams, elevating manufacturing processes, and delivering results in the EMS industry or related high‑reliability sectors. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, the Director ensures that engineering strategies directly contribute to the site’s performance and overall organizational growth.

Salary Range: $170-$200k + BONUS + Benefits + Other Perks

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the engineering team, setting direction, fostering innovation, and building a high‑performing, engaged culture.
• Oversee engineering operations across Manufacturing, Test, and Process disciplines, ensuring quality, compliance, and efficiency in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Lead project deployments and NPI initiatives, including DFx activities to optimize manufacturability, cost, and quality, while ensuring alignment with customer and business goals.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, supplier relationships, and business performance, ensuring regulatory compliance (RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals, ISO, ITAR, etc.).
• Serve as a key site leader, collaborating with regional/global engineering teams, aligning initiatives with strategic objectives, and supporting key customer accounts.
• Manage people and talent, including mentoring leaders, supporting performance reviews and salary planning, and leading recruitment to attract and retain top talent.
• Develop and manage budgets, resource plans, and capital expenditures to meet tactical and strategic goals.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, from executive presentations to technical discussions with customers.
• Serve as a culture ambassador, modeling behaviors that support organizational growth and customer success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electronics/manufacturing focus) or equivalent work experience/training.
• 10+ years in electronics manufacturing with 5+ years in engineering leadership. EMS experience preferred; Aerospace, Defense, and Medical experience required for applicable sites.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams; strong collaboration and influence across all levels and with external partners.
• Advanced SME in at least one discipline (Test, Process, or Manufacturing Engineering) with strong knowledge of the others; deep understanding of EMS processes, business models, and technical landscape.
• Experience managing complex projects, budgeting, resource allocation, and driving organizational success through strategic planning and execution.
• Strong knowledge of ISO9001, ISO13485, ITAR, CGP, IPC, J‑STD, and environmental standards (RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to simplify complex concepts, influence decisions, and present effectively to executives and customers.
• US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

The SR Group (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.