Director of Engineering

Armorworks Enterprises - Chandler, AZ

Full-time - Senior

Chandler, AZ

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Director of Engineering is responsible for overseeing all engineering, research and development (R&D), and related activities, focusing on product innovation and operational efficiency. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on product development, ensuring that new technologies meet specific performance and quality standards. The Director leads product design for R&D programs, covering technologies such as armor systems and solutions for ground vehicles, aircraft, and infrastructure security. Additionally, the role involves managing product transitions from prototype to production and supporting business development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead new technology product development and ensure requirements compliance (30%)
• Support proposal and business development efforts as well as resource/budget forecast (25%)
• Oversee prototype builds, qualification testing, and production transition/sustainment (10%)
• Develop and/or review technical documents (CDRLs/SDRLs, design reviews, trade studies, test plans/reports) (10%)
• Track and manage project execution, schedules, resources and costs (10%)
• Enforce, train, and update policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required (5%)
• Align R&D efforts with business objectives and strategic goals (5%)
• Provide leadership and foster an environment that encourages operational excellence, innovation, and professional growth within the department (5%)

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen
• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or higher
• 12+ years of experience in product development, with a focus on Department of Defense (DoD) platforms
• 5+ years of experience with ArmorWorks composite materials, energy attenuating seats, or equivalent survivability experience
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and expert knowledge of ASME Y14.100 and ASME-Y14.5 standards
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with high attention to detail
• Experience with seating systems, electronics integration, signature management, and composite systems
• Strong understanding of project management principles
• Experience developing key performance indicators for R&D projects and overseeing technical bids

Nice-to-haves

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Business, or equivalent
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Expert experience in MS Projects
• 5+ years writing technical proposals and developing cost estimates
• 5+ years with direct Energy Attenuating Seating experience
• 5+ years with direct composite prepreg layup and tooling development experience