Director of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

About the role

Primary function of position: We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Engineering to lead our enterprise-wide engineering organization. This newly created role will drive innovation, optimize manufacturing technologies, and elevate our engineering capabilities across multiple U.S. and Mexico facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year engineering and technology roadmap aligned with company growth strategies.
• Champion the expansion of automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing to support scalable, cost-effective, and labor-efficient operations.
• Provide technical due diligence and integration planning for potential M&A activity.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, capital investment prioritization, and operational improvements.
• Lead design-for-manufacturing (DFM), process improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives across both EMS and metal fabrication operations.
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimize capacity utilization, technical capabilities, and tooling strategies.
• Oversee the evaluation, selection, and deployment of advanced manufacturing equipment, including robotic assembly, automated material handling, and metalworking technologies such as CNC, laser cutting, and forming.
• Ensure robust technical onboarding and production readiness for new product introductions (NPI) across diverse customer segments.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, multi-site engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical agility.
• Promote workforce development in automation, controls engineering, robotics, and fabrication processes.
• Standardize engineering workflows, documentation, and KPI tracking across all sites.
• Ensure alignment with safety, quality, and compliance standards in regulated environments.
• Collaborate with program management and sales to develop innovative technical solutions that meet customer requirements and schedules.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for key customer engagements, proposals, and escalations.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve manufacturability, reduce lead times, and enhance quality through engineering innovation.
• Support strategic sourcing and cost modeling with engineering input for both electronic and metal-based components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field); Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering experience in manufacturing environments, with 7+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Deep expertise in EMS, systems integration, and metal fabrication processes, including machining, welding, and assembly.
• Demonstrated success in implementing automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing platforms.
• Proven hands-on leadership of multi-site technical teams, including experience in U.S. and Mexico operations.
• Strong business acumen, project management capability, and operational discipline.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and change management skills.

Prior to joining Libra Industries

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience with collaborative robots (cobots), SMT line automation, and automated inspection systems.
• Background supporting regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing.
• Understanding of ERP/MES integration and digital engineering toolsets (e.g., CAD/CAM, PLM).

Benefits

Libra Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.