Director of Engineering

The Director of Engineering will be responsible for leading and coordinating Optical Engineering efforts across our Aerospace and Defense businesses in California, with manufacturing in Richmond, Tustin, and Murrieta.

This critical and highly visible leadership position is responsible for various engineering efforts including design of optomechanical assemblies, including reflective and refractive telescopes, design and build of custom optical fabrication and test equipment, development of large multi-spectral precision optical window assemblies, as well as general sustaining engineering and problem-solving efforts.

The Director of Engineering is a member of the leadership team, reporting to the Optical Systems Division VP & General Manager.

Successful candidates will be expected to drive business performance by leading from the front, help the team to win future business by compelling customers, and contribute critical inputs to the product management and operations teams for business planning.

While the primary focus is within the business division, there are many opportunities for partnership and collaboration across the enterprise.

These manufacturing sites deliver products for a variety of defense applications, primarily for U.S.

Government prime contractors, the U.S.

Military and other aerospace OEMs.

Our projects span a wide-variety of applications that support mission areas including Airborne ISR and targeting, as well as space-based remote sensing, among others.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities


* Effective communication skills, with the ability to make compelling presentations for both internal and external stakeholders.


* Well versed in technical documentation and engineering change controls.


* Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and have experience using analytical tools.


* Working knowledge of ISO 9000 and AS9100 quality standards.


* Well-versed in mission requirements for space-based sensors.


* Lead the organization responsible for engineering design and development of high-performance optical components and assemblies.


* Responsible for aligning the engineering team's goals to the strategic objectives of the business.


* Responsible for developing and implementing an optimized organizational structure, workforce planning and performance management of the engineering team.


* Create and adhere to workable timelines and budgets for all design and development activities.


* Responsible for the effective handoff of new product development to the operations team.


* Lead and actively participate in engineering problem solving efforts.


* Drive innovation in precision optical component fabrication and material processing to maintain industry leadership.


* Identify, develop, enhance, and implement phased gate management controls.


* Assist the product management team in the process of responding to opportunities and RFPs brought in by the sales for...