Associate Vice President, Metalworks

Do you believe no challenge is too complex to solve? You’ll fit right in at U.S. Engineering. We deliver award-winning mechanical contracting, construction, service, and maintenance solutions with a focus on performance and innovation. Our team of skilled and collaborative professionals drives every project from preconstruction through final testing, always aligned with our clients’ goals.

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Metalworks provides leadership and operational oversight to ensure excellence in manufacturing execution, safety, quality, and productivity. The AVP supports the President in driving the strategic direction of Metalworks while maintaining a strong connection to daily operations. This role bridges tactical execution with long-term business objectives, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. The selected AVP will be located in either Lawrence, KS or Johnstown, CO.

• Partner with the President to develop and execute the Metalworks strategic plan aligned with U.S. Engineering’s overall objectives.
• Translate strategy into operational priorities, ensuring alignment across manufacturing, supply chain, and support functions.
• Provide leadership that empowers Metalworks leadership and team members to deliver on business goals while reinforcing company culture.

• Oversee day-to-day operations including fabrication processes, resource allocation, production scheduling, and cost management.
• Establish, monitor, and report on KPIs to measure efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Implement continuous improvement, process improvements, and technology adoption to optimize throughput and reduce waste.

• Champion safety programs and ensure adherence to OSHA standards and company policies.
• Partner with Safety and Quality teams to enhance compliance, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.

• Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for Metalworks.
• Manage cost controls, resource allocation, and customer relationships to maintain profitability and competitiveness.
• Support business development efforts, including growth in third-party fabrication opportunities.

• Foster a culture consistent with U.S. Engineering values and leadership norms (Selflessness + Humility, Care + Trust, Understanding + Acceptance, Improvement + Ownership).
• Mentor, coach, and develop leaders within Metalworks, ensuring succession readiness and team engagement.
• Drive accountability through performance management, clear expectations, and recognition of results.

• Represent Metalworks in internal cross-company initiatives and selected industry or community engagements.
• Serve as a visible ambassador of U.S. Engineering’s values within and outside the organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Science Management, Business administration, or graduation from a certified trade apprenticeship is required.

• 5 to 7 years experience managing an operations unit within the mechanical construction or manufacturing industry preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years overall experience in senior leadership in manufacturing or mechanical construction.

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing systems and processes.
• Possesses technical skills related to fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of industry best practices in construction and manufacturing safety and the ability to foster a culture of efficient execution and safety excellence.
• Business acumen, combined with analytical thinking, resulting in ability to manage company’s opportunities, risk, profitability, volume, etc.
• Proven ability to effectively manage a multitude of operational teams to achieve results, despite multiple and changing priorities. Keeps focused on the goal and possesses the managerial courage to deal with unacceptable situations head on.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills; proven collaborator able to establish and foster effective professional relationships,…