Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Professional Search Group has partnered with a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer to identify a Director of Engineering for its Orange County, California operations.

This executive leadership role is responsible for the strategic development, execution, and continuous improvement of advanced manufacturing processes across CNC Programming, Precision Machining, Weld Fabrication (including Electron Beam Welding), and Complex Assembly operations. The Director of Engineering will combine hands-on technical leadership with high-level program oversight to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve operational performance, and support long-term business growth.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, this leader will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability while ensuring engineering and manufacturing teams deliver high-quality results aligned with customer requirements, schedules, and financial objectives.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the advancement of manufacturing technologies and processes across machining, welding, and assembly operations.
• Utilize CATIA software to support aerospace design and manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop and implement robust process controls, manufacturing methodologies, and engineering standards aligned with customer and business requirements.
• Oversee tooling design, machine programming, and process optimization efforts to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Drive the development and utilization of engineering data systems and business tools to support process integration, technical analysis, and productivity improvements.

Team Leadership & Program Management

• Lead and develop cross-functional engineering teams, ensuring appropriate resource allocation and workload balancing.
• Mentor engineering personnel and provide leadership in performance management, professional development, and succession planning.
• Coordinate project execution plans, including technical objectives, schedules, staffing requirements, and budgets.
• Own program-level engineering execution and ensure alignment between engineering and manufacturing organizations.

Strategic Execution & Collaboration

• Partner with business development teams to align engineering capabilities with new customer opportunities and strategic growth initiatives.
• Develop proposals and business cases supporting technology investments, equipment upgrades, and capability expansion.
• Drive collaboration across multiple sites to standardize tooling, manufacturing processes, engineering practices, and documentation.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on technical requirements, milestones, and deliverables.

Qualifications

Education

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience within aerospace and/or defense manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership or engineering management experience.
• Proven success leading complex technical programs and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Deep expertise in precision machining, CNC programming, tooling design, manufacturing engineering, and related technologies.
• Experience implementing and utilizing ERP systems and advanced manufacturing/business systems.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing standards, quality systems, and operational excellence initiatives.

Preferred Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day execution.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on team development and accountability.
• Results-oriented with a track record of delivering technical and operational objectives.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. export control regulations. To comply with U.S. Government export requirements, applicants must be one of the following:

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. National
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. §1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. §1158
• Otherwise authorized to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. regulations

Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.