Vice President, Engineering & Quality

Job Summary

The Vice President of Engineering and Quality provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the company's engineering and quality functions. This role ensures the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of product design, manufacturing processes, and quality management systems aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and industry standards. The VP leads cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions, sustain high-quality standards, and achieve operational excellence, fostering a culture of quality, engineering innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for both engineering and quality functions, ensuring alignment with overall corporate objectives.
• Lead and manage the engineering team to develop new products, improve existing designs, and implement efficient manufacturing processes that meet customer, quality, and operational requirements.
• Establish and maintain robust quality management systems, including compliance with industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949), ensuring product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and quality processes using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and 8D.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, supply chain, design, and customer service teams to optimize product lifecycle management, from concept to production and sustained support.
• Oversee the development and management of technology roadmaps, ensuring engineering innovations support market demands and company growth.
• Lead investigation and resolution of complex quality issues, customer complaints, and supplier quality concerns with a focus on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key performance metrics related to engineering efficiency, product quality, and defect prevention.
• Foster a culture of quality awareness throughout the organization, incorporating training, internal audits, and layered process controls.
• Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and staffing to ensure operational efficiency and strategic goals.
• Represent the organization in customer meetings, industry forums, and regulatory inspections related to engineering and quality.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• This job description is not all inclusive of all duties.  Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field; advanced degrees (MBA, Master’s in Engineering) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in engineering and quality roles within a manufacturing environment, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-precision industries.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and implementing quality standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong technical background in engineering design, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
• Deep understanding of industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and FAA regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and problem-solving tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to influence organizational change and foster teamwork.
• Ability to develop strategic plans, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in engineering