Director of Operations Engineering

If you are looking to be part of a company focused on making our roads and communities safer, join our team of talented individuals.

About the role

The Director of Operations Engineering leads the Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and Applications Engineering team (Engineer to Order quote to production release). This position works on cross-functional teams, leading or as a member, to drive continuous improvement efforts and works as a change agent initiating and managing projects to improve methods, equipment, and product development. The role is accountable for developing production and engineering policies, practices, and procedures to improve quality and efficiency in a low-volume, high-mix signage and warning systems assembly operation. This position plays an ownership role in ensuring projects meet business, schedule, and budget objectives.

Responsibilities

• Industrial Engineering Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Industrial Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers.
  • Establish departmental goals, priorities, and project portfolios aligned with business objectives.
  • Create a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Manage engineering resources and project prioritization to maximize operational impact.
• Productivity and Throughput Improvement
  • Identify and eliminate manufacturing bottlenecks that constrain throughput and revenue growth.
  • Lead initiatives to improve labor productivity, equipment utilization, and workflow efficiency.
  • Develop and maintain labor standards, routing structures, and production time estimates.
  • Analyze production performance and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency.
  • Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives including waste elimination, flow improvement, visual management, and standard work.
• Capacity Planning and Operational Strategy
  • Develop manufacturing capacity models and labor forecasting tools.
  • Partner with Operations and Planning to understand future demand requirements and capacity constraints.
  • Evaluate make-versus-buy opportunities, staffing requirements, and capital investment needs.
  • Support strategic growth planning through facility, equipment, and labor capacity assessments.
• Process Improvement and Manufacturing Optimization
  • Lead process improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing operations.

Benefits

• Bonus Plan
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Personal Time
• Four Weeks of Paid Parental Leave with no waiting period
• 401K Plan with Employer Match (fully vested on day one)
• Company-Funded Short-Term Disability
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Quarterly Company Events and Lunches
• Opportunity to join the Fun or Safety Committee to have a say in TAPCO happenings