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Director of Engineering (Jackson)

Nickerson Talent Solutions, Jackson, MS, United States


Director of Engineering | Aerospace & Defense | Leadership Role Location:

Columbus, MS Employment Type:

Full-Time Industry:

Aerospace / Defense / Advanced Manufacturing

About the Role We are seeking a

dynamic and strategic Director of Engineering

to lead engineering operations within a fast-paced

aerospace & defense manufacturing environment . This role will drive

New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing engineering, process optimization, and cross-functional execution

to support high-impact defense programs. If you thrive in

AS9100 environments, complex manufacturing, and leadership roles , this is a high-visibility opportunity to make a direct impact.

Key Responsibilities Lead and scale

Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management teams Own and drive

New Product Introduction (NPI)

from concept through production Partner with

Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain

to ensure production readiness Implement

Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement initiatives Drive

process optimization, automation, and cost reduction strategies Ensure compliance with

AS9100, ITAR, and aerospace quality standards Lead

technical problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective actions Oversee

tooling, fixturing, work instructions, and manufacturing readiness Establish KPIs, improve throughput, and enhance operational efficiency Build, mentor, and develop

high-performing engineering teams

✅ Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in

Mechanical, Aerospace, or related Engineering discipline 12+ years

of engineering experience in

aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing 5+ years of leadership experience

managing engineering teams Strong background in

Manufacturing Engineering, NPI, and production support Experience with

AS9100, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies Proven success in

cross-functional leadership and program execution Experience with

tooling design, process development, and automation

⭐ Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA Experience with

ERP/MRP systems Background supporting

DoD programs or defense contracts Knowledge of

GD&T, CNC machining, fabrication, or assembly processes

Why Join Us? High-impact leadership role in a

growing aerospace & defense organization Opportunity to drive

innovation, automation, and large-scale engineering initiatives Work on

mission-critical defense programs Collaborative, performance-driven environment

Apply Now If you're a

results-driven engineering leader

ready to make an impact in aerospace & defense, we’d love to hear from you.