Director of Engineering (Aerospace)

RGBSI · United States

• The Director of Engineering & Estimating is responsible for transforming Client's engineering organization into a world-class competitive advantage.
• This executive will lead Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Program Engineering, and Estimating while driving engineering excellence from quotation through production.
• The position is accountable for improving profitability, estimating accuracy, manufacturing efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction, while serving as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company's engineering and estimating strategy aligned with long-term growth objectives.
• Own engineering performance across manufacturing, including productivity, manufacturability, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Lead all manufacturing, process, tooling, CAM/CAD, and program engineering activities.
• Own the estimating function, including standardized cost models, should-cost analysis, pricing strategy, and quotation governance.
• Reduce quote turnaround time while improving estimating accuracy and gross margin performance.
• Drive Industry 4.0, automation, AI-enabled estimating, digital manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI), AS9102 First Article Inspection readiness, and engineering change management.
• Partner with Sales to win strategic programs through superior manufacturability and competitive pricing.
• Develop engineering talent, succession plans, and a culture of accountability, urgency, innovation, and technical excellence.
• Recommend capital investments and ensure measurable return on investment.
• Represent Engineering during customer, OEM, DCMA, AS9100, and regulatory audits.

First 12-Month Success Metrics:

• Increase estimating accuracy to greater than 95%.
• Reduce quote turnaround time by at least 30%.
• Standardize estimating methodology across all business units.
• Develop a scalable engineering organization capable of supporting significant revenue growth.
• Become a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership in aerospace precision machining or similarly regulated manufacturing.
• Demonstrated leadership of engineering organizations supporting approximately $30M–$100M manufacturing operations.
• Expert knowledge of CNC machining, GD&T, AS9102, AS9100, ITAR, and estimating methodologies.
• Experience leading multi-site engineering teams and driving operational transformation.

Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
• Experience with ERP/MRP, Paperless Parts, Global Shop, E2, JobBOSS, or similar systems.
• Experience implementing automation, digital manufacturing, and AI-enabled engineering processes.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering.