TITLE:  Vice President of Engineering/Product Development

ENVIRONMENT: Manufacturing

LOCATION: Oak Creek, Wisconsin        Onsite

COMPENSATION RANGE: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00    DOQ

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:  Bachelors Degree in Engineering

CITIZENSHIP:  Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder and able to work for any U.S. Employer 

BENEFIT PACKAGE: Yes

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: 7+ years experience

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 1

POSITION SUMMARY:

As VP of Engineering, you will inherit an experienced technical team and serve as the driving force behind the department's modernized mission—instilling structure, cross-functional discipline, and forward momentum. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with senior executive leadership, you will lead R&D efforts, optimize internal vs. external manufacturing capabilities, and mentor the next generation of technical talent.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Lead & Transform the Engineering Function: Establish strategic departmental priorities, mentor engineering staff, instill operational discipline, and build a cohesive, accountability-driven culture.
• Accelerate R&D & Product Innovation: Drive new product development initiatives from initial concept through detailed engineering design, testing, prototype runoff, and full production launch.
• Standardize Engineering Processes: Implement robust systems, clear design reviews, and structured workflows to improve project timelines, reduce engineering change orders, and ensure flawless execution.
• Guide Advanced Technical Integration: Provide executive technical direction across mechanical design, structural fabrication, fluid power loops (hydraulics and pneumatics), and PLC/controls integration.
• Optimize Manufacturing & Sourcing Strategy: Evaluate internal production capabilities versus outside manufacturing resources to achieve optimal quality, cost efficiency, capacity, and scalability.
• Drive Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner seamlessly with Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Sales to solve complex field challenges, improve product manufacturability, and elevate overall customer satisfaction.
• EXPERIENCE & TECH STACK: Proven executive engineering leadership; multi-project R&D and product development execution; heavy mechanical design; fluid power (hydraulics & pneumatics); PLC/controls integration; automated manufacturing systems; internal vs. external sourcing strategy.
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What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Executive Engineering Leadership: Proven track record leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, R&D) within a custom machinery, heavy equipment, or industrial manufacturing environment.
• R&D & Product Development Depth: Success taking complex, high-engineered products from white-sheet concept through testing, manufacturing release, and commercial success.
• Core Technical Competencies: Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, with functional exposure to fluid power systems (hydraulics/pneumatics), electro-mechanical assemblies, and automated controls/PLC platforms.
• Strategic Sourcing & Manufacturing Aptitude: Demonstrated skill in evaluating internal shop capabilities and making data-driven internal vs. external sourcing decisions.
• Hands-On Leadership Style: A roll-up-your-sleeves, approachable manager who leads by example, instills a strong sense of urgency, and earns the respect of both shop-floor personnel and executive peers.
• Specialized Industry Exposure (Bonus): Prior experience in railroad, heavy off-highway equipment, or specialized mobile machinery manufacturing is a distinct advantage.