Aerospace engineering Jobs in Winston-Salem, NC

Senior Director, Engineering

The Senior Director of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering functions supporting a high-volume manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for driving engineering excellence across manufacturing, packaging, process controls, facilities, utilities, and environmental health and safety (EHS). The position develops and executes short- and long-term engineering strategies, oversees capital investments, and ensures operational performance through continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, service, reliability, and cost optimization. The successful candidate will build and lead high-performing engineering teams, implement innovative technologies, and partner cross-functionally to support business growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Engineering Leadership & Strategy

• Lead all engineering functions supporting manufacturing operations, including process engineering, packaging systems, facilities, utilities, automation, and process controls.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that support operational growth, reliability, and continuous improvement objectives.
• Establish engineering performance metrics and drive accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets.
• Build, mentor, and develop engineering teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Identify and implement new technologies, processes, and systems that improve manufacturing performance and competitiveness.

Manufacturing & Operational Support

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure manufacturing capabilities support current and future business needs.
• Lead efforts to optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot production challenges, and improve equipment reliability.
• Ensure engineering resources and infrastructure effectively support production demands and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain business continuity and risk mitigation strategies for manufacturing operations.

Capital Projects & Facilities

• Develop and manage the site's capital investment strategy and project portfolio.
• Oversee major capital projects, facility upgrades, equipment installations, and expansion initiatives from planning through execution.
• Support long-range facility master planning and infrastructure development.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with company standards.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Establish and maintain engineering procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Analyze operational data and provide recommendations to leadership that support informed decision-making and performance improvements.

Environmental Health & Safety

• Provide leadership and oversight for Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs and initiatives.
• Promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout the organization.
• Ensure EHS objectives are integrated into engineering and manufacturing activities.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Directly oversee Engineering, Facilities, Process Controls, and EHS personnel.
• Manage external contractors, engineering consultants, and project resources.
• Develop organizational capabilities, succession plans, and talent development strategies.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong leadership, organizational, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead through change and drive organizational transformation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational systems.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on execution and accountability.
• Ability to travel as required.

Required Experience

• 12+ years of progressive engineering and manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading engineering operations within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in capital project management, facility expansions, and infrastructure improvements.
• Experience optimizing manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated success developing engineering systems, standards, and organizational capabilities.
• Working knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification or practical implementation experience.
• Experience leading engineering organizations through significant growth, integration, or transformation initiatives.
• Previous responsibility for manufacturing operations or technical operations functions.
• Advanced Engineering degree and/or MBA.
• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food, nutritional supplement, or consumer products manufacturing industries.