Director of Engineering

We're seeking an Engineering Director for a client leading its engineering function. The director will set the engineering strategy and oversee technical delivery for military vehicle maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), upgrades, and modernization. The role will also provide engineering direction to manufacturing and applied research and development (R&D) as needed.

The director will lead across systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as configuration management and product lifecycle management (PLM). The role will work closely with Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE), operations, customers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Key responsibilities

• Set the engineering strategy, priorities, and resource plans for land systems programs, and hold engineering teams accountable for technical delivery.
• Lead engineering support for military vehicle MRO, including fault investigation, repair methods, technical documentation, and verification of repairs and upgrades.
• Direct systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams and resolve technical issues that span disciplines.
• Own configuration management and PLM practices, including configuration baselines, engineering change approvals, and traceability of technical records.
• Partner with QHSE and operations to meet applicable defense, quality, and safety requirements and improve vehicle reliability, repair turnaround, and workmanship.
• Manage technical relationships with OEMs, customers, and suppliers, including repair approvals, access to technical data, and resolution of complex engineering issues.
• Support manufacturing and applied R&D through design reviews, prototyping, testing, and transition into production or service.
• Develop engineering managers and technical leads, set clear expectations, and adapt communication and leadership style across shop-floor teams, technical specialists, customers, and senior executives.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• At least 20 years of engineering experience, including at least five years in a senior engineering leadership role.
• Substantial experience in defense land systems, with a track record of leading engineering delivery for military vehicle MRO programs.
• Demonstrated leadership across multiple engineering disciplines, with experience overseeing configuration management and PLM and partnering with QHSE.
• Experience working with external OEMs and managing the technical, resource, and schedule demands of complex defense programs.
• Strong judgment, strategic planning, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, coach leaders, and resolve disagreements across functions.