Director of Engineering

🚀 Director of Engineering \| Aerospace \& Defense \| Leadership Role

📍

Location:

Columbus, MS

💼

Employment Type:

Full-Time

🏭

Industry:

Aerospace / Defense / Advanced Manufacturing

🔥 About the Role

We are seeking a

dynamic and strategic Director of Engineering

to lead engineering operations within a fast-paced

aerospace \& defense manufacturing environment

. This role will drive

New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and cross-functional execution

to support high-impact defense programs.

If you thrive in

AS9100 environments, complex manufacturing, and leadership roles

, this is a high-visibility opportunity to make a direct impact.

🎯 Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale

Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management teams

• Own and drive

New Product Introduction (NPI)

from concept through production

• Partner with

Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain

to ensure production readiness

• Implement

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement initiatives

• Drive

process optimization, automation, and cost reduction strategies

• Ensure compliance with

AS9100, ITAR, and aerospace quality standards

• Lead

technical problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

• Oversee

tooling, fixturing, work instructions, and manufacturing readiness

• Establish KPIs, improve throughput, and enhance operational efficiency
• Build, mentor, and develop

high-performing engineering teams

✅ Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in

Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline

• 12\+ years

of engineering experience in

aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing

• 5\+ years of leadership experience

managing engineering teams

• Strong background in

Manufacturing Engineering, NPI, and production support

• Experience with

AS9100, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Proven success in

cross-functional leadership and program execution

• Experience with

tooling design, process development, and automation

⭐ Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA
• Experience with

ERP/MRP systems

• Background supporting

DoD programs or defense contracts

• Knowledge of

GD\&T, CNC machining, fabrication, or assembly processes

💡 Why Join Us?

• High-impact leadership role in a

growing aerospace \& defense organization

• Opportunity to drive

innovation, automation, and large-scale engineering initiatives

• Work on

mission-critical defense programs

• Collaborative, performance-driven environment

📩 Apply Now

If you're a

results-driven engineering leader

ready to make an impact in aerospace \& defense, we’d love to hear from you.