Director, Engineering - Mission Systems

Job Purpose

The Director, Engineering - Mission Systems leads the engineering organization that takes new customer programs from first article to stable, repeatable production within our Mission Systems business unit. You will own the New Product Introduction process end to end which covers design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), build and process development, post-processing and machining, qualification, and handoff to production.

We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who can build and develop a high-performing team, set the standards for how VulcanForms introduces new products, and serve as a trusted engineering partner to customers, in addition to, commercial, operations, and quality teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, hire, and develop a team of NPI engineers and engineering managers across process development, manufacturing engineering, and program execution.
• Own the NPI process from customer handoff through production release, including stage gates, readiness reviews, and clear criteria for transfer to production.
• Drive DFAM, build layout, and process parameter development to deliver parts that meet customer requirements for geometry, material properties, surface finish, and cost.
• Integrate the full digital manufacturing workflow, including printing, thermal processing, part removal, precision machining, finishing, and inspection, into robust, documented manufacturing processes.
• Lead first article inspection, process qualification, and customer qualification activities, partnering with Quality to meet aerospace, defense, and other industry requirements.
• Make data-driven engineering decisions using DOE, SPC, root cause analysis, and process capability studies, and hold the team to a high standard of technical rigor.
• Serve as the senior engineering point of contact for key customers during NPI, setting expectations, communicating risks and tradeoffs, and building long-term trust.
• Partner with Commercial and Applications Engineering on technical feasibility, quoting inputs, and program planning for new opportunities.
• Track and report NPI metrics such as cycle time, first-pass yield, cost to produce, and on-time delivery, and drive continuous improvement in how we launch new products.
• Manage engineering resources, priorities, and budget across a portfolio of concurrent customer programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including 5+ years leading engineering teams and managers.
• Proven track record leading NPI or new program launches from development through production ramp in a high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical depth in manufacturing processes, materials, and process development, with the judgment to make sound decisions quickly.
• Hands-on experience with DOE, SPC, root cause analysis, FMEA, and process qualification methods.
• Experience building teams, setting engineering standards, and defining cross-functional processes in a growing organization.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical constraints and tradeoffs to engineering, commercial, executive, and customer audiences.
• Comfortable operating as a player/coach in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal additive manufacturing (laser powder bed fusion preferred). Adjacent metal manufacturing experience such as precision machining, casting, or forging will be considered.
• Aerospace & Defense program experience, including familiarity with AS9100, first article inspection (AS9102), and customer qualification and certification requirements.
• Experience in an engineered-to-order or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with heat treatment, post-processing, and CNC machining of additively manufactured parts.

Pay and benefits

VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

The annual base salary range for this position is $176,000 to $242,000.