Director of Engineering

Overview

Company Overview: Wunder-Bar, a Middleby Company, has been at the forefront of beverage dispensing innovation for over 50 years. We have built a legacy of exceptional product development, unmatched customer satisfaction, and superior operational performance. Our commitment to quality and service remains unwavering as we lead the global standard for beverage dispensing solutions. Wunder-Bar is trusted by industry professionals for its reliability and precision, including a flexible hose post-mix dispenser and a range of dispensing systems for beverage towers, non-carbonated bubblers, nitro dispensing, coffee equipment, and dispensing solutions for pizza sauce and condiments. We are dedicated to value and service and continue to innovate to meet evolving customer needs.

Position Overview

The Director of Engineering will lead and manage the product design engineering team, overseeing technical research, new product development, and significant product and process improvement initiatives aligned with corporate strategy. This role is responsible for developing and executing engineering objectives that support broader business goals, fostering collaboration with other management teams, and cultivating relationships with external partners and suppliers. The Director will optimize engineering operations, ensure delivery of critical projects, and drive innovation across the organization.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee the performance, safety, functionality, cost-efficiency, design quality, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability of products. Lead the creation of new designs and continuous improvements to existing products.
• Plan, manage, and execute new product designs and major upgrades. Analyze customer needs, market trends, and competitor products to inform design decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to direct and approve design activities, contributing to strategic product planning and business growth.
• Identify potential intellectual property opportunities and risks related to new product designs. Support the development of patent and trademark applications to protect innovations.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements by attending workshops, reviewing publications, engaging in technical committees, and expanding professional networks to enhance product design expertise.
• Develop and maintain detailed product design documentation, including 3D CAD models, component specifications, bills of materials, and assembly requirements. Ensure products comply with relevant certifications (e.g., UL, NSF, CE, CSA) and regulatory standards.
• Oversee engineering projects, ensuring completion on time and within budget. Assign tasks to product engineers, designers, and technicians, and ensure the quality and timeliness of deliverables.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are aligned with production capabilities, sourcing plans, and investment strategies, ensuring seamless production processes.
• Manage and mentor engineering staff by overseeing recruitment, training, performance management, and career development. Provide guidance, coaching, and regular feedback to promote continuous improvement.
• Prepare and manage engineering budgets, including capital and expense plans. Approve expenditures, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to stay within financial targets.
• Develop and enforce policies, systems, and procedures to maintain smooth engineering operations. Contribute to the creation of new business policies as necessary.
• Create a workplace that encourages regular feedback, growth, and development to ensure team members\' continuous improvement and engagement.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with 5S standards across engineering, design, prototype, and testing areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 12+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with increasing responsibility in product development, design, and manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years of managerial experience with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, driving performance, and managing engineering operations.
• Expertise in mechanical design, appliance controls and components, and refrigeration system applications.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, with a deep understanding of production processes, design for manufacturability, and optimizing product performance and cost efficiency.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior management, design teams, manufacturing, and external stakeholders.
• Track record of driving innovation, improving product quality, and delivering results while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Experience with international product standards and certifications, including UL/ETL, NSF, CE, CSA, FDA, and others, is highly desirable.

Salary

$155,000 - $176,000 + bonus

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