Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering – Aerospace Precision Manufacturing Location: Bristol, CT Industry: Aerospace Precision Manufacturing Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire Salary: $145,000–$165,000 per year Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Package Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead engineering and CNC programming activities for an established aerospace precision manufacturing operation in Bristol, Connecticut.This leadership position is ideal for a highly experienced CNC machining professional with 10+ years of advanced CNC milling programming experience using Mastercam, strong hands-on machining knowledge, and a proven ability to lead engineering projects, optimize manufacturing processes, and support business growth.The Director of Engineering will work closely with senior leadership, Manufacturing, Quality, customers, and suppliers to ensure complex aerospace components are manufactured efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with customer specifications and quality standards. Key Responsibilities Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to business strategy, manufacturing objectives, resource planning, and organizational growth.Lead CNC milling programming activities using Mastercam, particularly for complex precision-machined components.Develop and optimize CNC machining processes to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.Design, build, and select fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions for precision machining operations.Determine cutting tools, feeds, speeds, machining strategies, and tool paths.Prepare operation sheets, work instructions, setup documentation, and other technical information required by CNC operators.Oversee engineering projects and programming assignments to ensure accurate, timely completion.Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to develop practical quality control plans and ensure customer requirements are consistently met.Lead root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and corrective action initiatives related to manufacturing and quality issues.Establish processes to ensure operators have the required CNC programs, tooling, fixtures, documentation, and inspection equipment before production begins.Improve work order closeout processes and ensure production feedback is captured to improve future manufacturing standards.Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).Assist with customer quotations, manufacturing cost evaluations, and process planning.Communicate with customers and suppliers regarding technical requirements, manufacturing processes, and engineering matters.Lead engineering meetings to review new and existing jobs, machining strategies, tooling, fixturing, tool paths, and inspection requirements.Participate in daily management meetings, provide project updates, and help resolve production challenges.Support compliance with AS9100 quality management systems, company procedures, safety policies, and housekeeping standards.Evaluate new CNC machines, manufacturing equipment, software, and emerging machining technologies.Develop and implement training programs to strengthen employees' CNC programming and engineering capabilities. Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in CNC milling programming, with demonstrated advanced proficiency in Mastercam.Strong hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC milling machines.Demonstrated expertise in CNC machining strategies, tool path development, cutting tool selection, feeds and speeds, and process optimization.Experience designing, building, or selecting fixtures and workholding solutions.Proficiency interpreting and working with customer-provided or internally developed solid models.Ability to develop technical documentation, including setup sheets, operation sheets, and work instructions.Strong understanding of precision manufacturing processes and machining complex components.Demonstrated ability to lead engineering projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and manage priorities.Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with machine operators, management, customers, and suppliers.Strong attention to detail, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Preferred Qualifications Experience programming CNC lathes using relevant CAM software.Experience in aerospace precision manufacturing.Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, SPC, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies.Experience supporting complex machining projects, manufacturing quotations, and customer technical reviews.Previous experience training or mentoring CNC programmers, machinists, or engineering personnel. What We Offer Competitive annual salary of $145,000–$165,000, depending on experience and qualifications.Full-time, direct-hire employment.Comprehensive benefits package.A senior leadership opportunity within a precision manufacturing environment.The ability to influence manufacturing strategy, engineering performance, process improvements, and organizational growth.Opportunities to mentor employees and develop advanced CNC programming capabilities across the organization. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineering leader who combines exceptional Mastercam CNC milling programming skills with strong machining knowledge, practical problem-solving abilities, and the leadership skills needed to improve manufacturing performance. This individual enjoys working collaboratively, developing talent, and helping a precision manufacturing business achieve its quality, delivery, and growth objectives. Interested candidates: Apply with your updated resume highlighting your Mastercam programming experience, CNC milling setup and operation expertise, fixture design experience, and engineering Skills: leadership,milling,customer,manufacturing,management,aerospace,projects,cnc,mastercam,communication,machining