Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering (Direct Placement for Client)

Sigma Design has collaborated with a growing manufacturing company seeking an experienced Machine Design Engineer to join their team in the Tri Cities, WA area. This company specializes in the design and manufacture of custom food processing equipment used in industrial food production, supporting projects for well-known food manufacturers.

• $140,000 and $170,000 annually, with the full range extending to $200,000 annually, based on experience, internal equity, and career progression
• Flexible hybrid work environment with up to two days per week in the office.
• Medical Benefits + PTO

The Director of Engineering provides technical and organizational leadership for the engineering function, overseeing the design and development of custom packaging and processing equipment from concept through commissioning. This role sets engineering priorities, provides technical direction, supports project execution, and partners with leadership, sales, manufacturing, vendors, and customers to deliver practical, manufacturable solutions that meet project requirements.

• Lead and provide technical direction for engineering activities related to the design and development of custom packaging and processing equipment.
• Establish engineering priorities and coordinate resources to support project requirements, schedules, and business objectives.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to engineering team members, fostering strong design practices, accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee mechanical design and engineering projects from initial concept through detailed design, fabrication, assembly, installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Review and provide technical oversight of engineering designs, drawings, assemblies, models, bills of materials, and other project documentation.
• Ensure equipment designs are practical, manufacturable, reliable, and aligned with customer requirements and project specifications.
• Partner closely with manufacturing and fabrication teams to address design challenges, improve manufacturability, and resolve issues throughout the build process.
• Support engineering project planning, resource allocation, schedules, and priorities across multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide technical support and decision‑making for design changes, troubleshooting, testing, field issues, and equipment modifications.
• Collaborate with sales, manufacturing, vendors, customers, and company leadership to define requirements and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, design standards, documentation, tools, and overall project execution.
• Support the development and implementation of engineering standards and best practices as the company and engineering function grow.
• Lead the resolution of complex technical, manufacturing, and customer issues and make sound engineering decisions when challenges arise.
• Communicate engineering priorities, project status, technical risks, resource needs, and recommendations to company leadership.
• Participate in customer meetings, site visits, equipment commissioning, startup activities, and industry events as needed.
• Maintain a hands‑on understanding of the company's equipment, engineering processes, and manufacturing capabilities while providing strategic and technical leadership.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering field preferred; equivalent combination of education and significant hands‑on engineering experience may…