Director, Mechanical Engineering

at Dexter Magnetic Technologies in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Basic Purpose and Objective of the Position

Position is responsible for the leadership and management of a team of engineers that design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for new products. Develops and manages team and individual KPIs.  Provides technical leadership and guidance across the organization.  Supports the team in evaluating and troubleshooting mechanical issues with customer and in-house projects.  Guides team on execution of design FMEA activities and enables collaboration with the cross-functional team to ensure design for manufacturability and design for assembly is considered for each project.  Participates actively in company strategic initiatives.

• Build and manage a team of mechanical engineers that will support strategic goals. Recruit, hire and develop talent to support R&D team goals. Assign and manage task execution across the team.  Provide training and technical development opportunities for the team.
• Lead and manage team of engineers responsible for engineering and design of mechanical components, fixtures, tooling assemblies, and systems using 3D solid-modeling, CAD and FEA, for new product introductions. The team will:

• Follow and document Stage Gate Design Controls/Design History file, apply machining tolerances, perform tolerance stack-up analysis, material selection, provide project related documents, e.g. developing detail assembly prints following ASME Y14.5-2009, create test protocols, perform testing, write test reports, create inspection documents, create and document V&V activities (DOE/SPC process optimization & IQ, OQ, PQ).
• Apply GD&T as required to designs, and components drawings.
• Evaluate design integrity by performing complex design calculations (statics, dynamics, strength of materials analysis to ensure; design feasibility, proper function, and safety as required.
• Leads project DFMEA efforts

• Manage a team that works with all affected areas on DFM/DFA, cost reductions, ECR’s/ECN’s, DMR’s and part obsolescence.
• Communicate with and provide technical expertise to; suppliers, customers, Quality, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Sales.
• Develop and manage your team’s KPIs. Monthly, investigate and provide root cause analysis when KPIs are not met.  Implement approved corrective actions.
• Mentor the team in the development, execution, and improvement of technical processes including:

• Customer and in-house print review
• Technical design reviews
• DFMEA
• Root cause analysis

• Provides face-to-face technical expertise for visits to high-value and high-profile customers.
• Stays abreast of current developments in mechanical engineering and beyond.
• Proactively looks for opportunities to utilize new or existing design concepts outside of the originating engineering project.
• Assists with special projects and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assists in the development of patent applications for designated proprietary technology.
• Participate actively in company strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required.

Salary Range - $170,000-$185,000 depending on experience

Qualifications

      Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Biomedical Engineering.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Biomedical Engineering or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years leading teams in the R & D environment. Proven record of successful launch of complex product developments and success solving complex mechanical problems.
• Minimum of 3 years managing teams in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Expert 3D CAD skills on Solidworks, ProE or other 3D package
• Expert drafting and GD & T skills with the ability to perform tolerance stack up analysis.
• Expert knowledge of advanced machining technologies.
• Knowledge of magnetic materials and applications a plus.

Successful Essential Skills

• Communication – is able to send a message clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Must be able to interact and effectively communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization. Can create open channels of communication, adapt message to fit audience, express ideas clearly and concisely, keep others well-informed, listen carefully to input and feedback.
• Technical Capacity – is a skilled and technically competent engineer – a person whose technical skills are respected and sought out.
• Quality Expertise – always learning about the profession and continuously keeping abreast of new trends, tools, techniques, regulations, and requirements.
• Excellent problem solving skills using rigorous logic and methods to solve problems producing effective solutions to problem statements.
• Excellent time management skills: concentrating effort on priorities and overall planning, awareness, and response to what is due now, short and long term.
• High level of business acumen: Understands policies, practices, technology, trends, and information and how those affect the business; including written communication.