Director of Engineering

Special-Lite is inviting applicants for the Director of Engineering role.

Job Title: Director of Engineering

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Chief Manufacturing Officer

Approved By / Date: CMO / 12.2025

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Director of Engineering provides strategic leadership for all manufacturing engineering and quality activities across the organization. This role is responsible for directing engineering efforts that promote manufacturing advancements while continually improving current processes. The scope includes engineering, production, quality, business process, and design/development across a multi‑plant environment. The Director will lead a team of engineers and quality professionals, oversee capital projects, and collaborate with executive leadership to align manufacturing capabilities with business objectives.

• Develop and execute the manufacturing engineering strategy to support company growth and operational goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering and quality professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee process design, automation initiatives, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency, scalability, and lead‑time reductions.
• Provide input, data, and direction into annual budget planning with supporting ROI analysis.
• Assign projects to engineering and quality teams that support and improve current production processes.
• Manage large‑scale capital projects from feasibility/scope of work through implementation.
• Translate business objectives into technical plans, milestones, and priorities.
• Oversee development, documentation, and implementation of standard operating procedures and work instructions throughout plant operations.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for engineering and quality performance and improvement.
• Support investigation and implementation of counter measures for any internal and external quality concerns.
• Improve manufacturing layouts and research options for process and product advancements.
• Develop and implement standard and accelerated testing plans for product validation.
• Ensure time studies and equipment utilization studies are completed to support CI projects.
• Assist manufacturing with difficult troubleshooting problems on production equipment.
• Use knowledge of waste elimination tools and techniques to identify critical operational opportunities for improvement.
• Propose and manage projects including tracking costs, assessing resources, and achieving deadline requirements.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety and quality standards across all manufacturing sites.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of technical manufacturing processing or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance, quality control, and process improvement, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong business acumen with experience in strategic planning and budgeting.
• Proven track record of leading large teams.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• CAD knowledge—a plus.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics and digital manufacturing solutions preferred.
• Previous experience in the door, hardware or construction industries is beneficial.
• Excellent communication skills, multi‑tasking, project management and/or project coordination experience.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet challenging and competing deadlines.
• Ability to develop and nurture strong, productive relationships with all levels within the organization, respecting established processes and fostering an environment of mutual respect.
• Ability to read, comprehend and carry‑out instructions in written, oral and diagram form.

• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to sit for long periods…