Director of Engineering

Immediately Hiring: Director of Engineering – Aerospace & Aviation Component Manufacturing

Location: On-Site in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (Relocation Assistance Provided)

Company: Dayton-Granger, Inc. (DG)

YouTube: Dayton-Granger Inc: Excellence in Aerospace since 1943

Our Products: Products | Dayton-Granger

About Us:

With more than 82 years of excellence in aviation, Dayton-Granger, Inc. (DG) designs and manufactures proprietary aircraft antennas, electrostatic dischargers, and lightning protection systems used across commercial, military, and general aviation programs worldwide.

Located just four miles from Fort Lauderdale's beaches, DG is a third-generation, family-owned aerospace manufacturer known for engineering credibility, innovation, and collaboration. All design, testing, and manufacturing occur under one roof—allowing for unmatched quality, agility, and vertical integration.

About the Role

Dayton-Granger, Inc. is seeking a Director of Engineering to serve as the company's senior technical leader—a hands-on executive with deep expertise in RF systems and a proven track record in cross-functional leadership. This individual will drive engineering execution, innovation, and long-term technical strategy across all product lines.

The Director will lead a multidisciplinary team that includes Antenna (Electrical) Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Qualification Test Engineers, Chemical Engineers, RF Technicians, and Document Control personnel. This role will shape DG's technology roadmap, lead the development of technical proposals, and champion succession planning to support the long-term growth of the engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute DG's long-term technology strategy in alignment with company growth objectives
• Lead and scale a high-performing multidisciplinary team including Antenna (Electrical), Mechanical, Qualification Test, and Chemical Engineers, as well as Document Control Personnel, and RF Technicians.
• Oversee all phases of product design, development, qualification, certification, and transition to production
• Act as DG's senior technical representative in customer engagements, proposal efforts, audits, and presentations
• Lead the development of technical proposals, including detailed cost estimates and schedule forecasts
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and resource prioritization across multiple concurrent programs
• Guide project management practices to ensure adherence to scope, schedule, and financial targets
• Champion adoption of emerging aerospace technologies
• Ensure strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards: FAA, EASA, MIL-STD, DO-178C, DO-254, DO-160, AS9100, ITAR/EAR
• Oversee engineering documentation processes including drawing control, configuration management, qualification reports, and certification tracking
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, and more to drive design integrity and production readiness
• Participate in all customer meetings as the technical lead and primary engineering representative
• Conduct weekly engineering staff meetings
• Monitor and drive department KPIs (e.g., new product on-time delivery, documentation cycle times, etc.)
• Mentor and develop engineering talent; drive succession planning and support long-term team growth
• Minimal travel required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (with a focus in RF or Systems Engineering strongly preferred)
• Minimum 15 years of experience in RF including hands-on work with antennas, filters, diplexers, and amplifiers
• At least 5 years in senior engineering leadership, managing multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams
• Proven track record leading end-to-end development of avionics or antenna systems
• Strong knowledge of RF design tools and aerospace certification standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD, FAA)
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing technical proposals, including cost estimation and schedule planning
• Solid project management skills across multiple concurrent engineering programs
• Technical ability to interpret antenna output from electromagnetic modeling tools (e.g., HFSS preferred)
• Familiarity with mechanical assemblies and design-for-manufacturability practices
• Experience with document control systems and compliance management
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (to comply with ITAR/EAR regulations)

Nice-To-Have Qualifications, Not Required:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical, Systems, or RF Engineering
• Familiarity with defense clearance requirements (active clearance or eligibility)

Why Join DG?

• High-impact, high-visibility executive leadership role
• Ability to own innovation from concept to production under one roof
• Collaborative and supportive culture committed to engineering excellence
• Strong balance of commercial and military programs provides stability and growth
• Family-owned company prioritizing long-term success and employee development
• Opportunity to shape technical strategy and product evolution in a growth-focused environment

DG Offers:

• Competitive executive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Relocation assistance available
• On-site perks: Employee gym, basketball court, free parking

Compliance Notice:

This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control laws (EAR and ITAR). Applicants must be “U.S. persons” as defined under these regulations.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screen, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.