Director of Engineering and Estimating l Aerospace Manufacturer at Michael Page USA

Job description

• Lead an autonomous established department that's growing! • Make an immediate impact on high-level projects! About Our Client This client is a large, well-established precision machining manufacturer that serves leading aerospace customers across a range of highly specialized and mission-critical programs. Their team produces complex, tight-tolerance components used in demanding aerospace applications where quality, precision, and reliability are essential. The company continues to invest in advanced machining technology, engineering expertise, and process improvements, creating opportunities for employees to work on challenging projects that have a direct impact on some of the industry's most respected aerospace platforms. Beyond the technical work, the organization offers a flexible and collaborative environment where ideas are encouraged, leaders are accessible, and continuous improvement is part of the culture. Employees are trusted to take ownership of their work, contribute to key business decisions, and grow their careers within a stable company that values teamwork, innovation, and long-term development. It's a culture that combines the resources and capabilities of a larger manufacturer with the close-knit feel of a team where individual contributions are recognized and valued. Job Description • Set the vision and direction for the Engineering and Estimating teams, ensuring alignment with the company's growth strategy and customer needs. • Lead engineering performance across the organization, driving improvements in quality, efficiency, delivery, and overall operational results. • Oversee all manufacturing, process, tooling, programming, CAD/CAM, and product engineering functions. • Direct the estimating process, ensuring accurate costing, competitive pricing, and consistent margin performance across all programs. • Improve quote response times while maintaining a high level of accuracy and supporting profitable business growth. • Champion automation, digital manufacturing initiatives, AI-driven estimating tools, and continuous technology advancement. • Lead new product introduction efforts, first article inspection readiness (AS9102), engineering change management, and production launches. • Partner closely with Sales and customers to secure new business through strong manufacturing expertise, innovative solutions, and competitive proposals. • Build and develop a high-performing engineering team through coaching, succession planning, and clear accountability. • Evaluate and recommend capital investments that support capacity, capability, and long-term growth while ensuring strong returns on investment. • Serve as the senior engineering representative during customer, regulatory, and quality audits. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. The Successful Applicant A successful Director of Engineering and Estimating should have: • Experience with engineering planning and cost estimating. • Ability to review technical requirements and build clear project scopes. • Experience preparing cost breakdowns, estimate assumptions, and project documentation. • Ability to connect engineering details with practical cost and schedule considerations. • Experience coordinating engineering and estimating activities across project stakeholders. • Ability to communicate technical and cost information in clear, useful terms.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline. • Proven experience leading engineering teams within aerospace precision machining or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. • Track record of managing engineering organizations that support complex manufacturing operations and significant business growth. • Strong expertise in CNC machining, GD&T, AS9100, AS9102, ITAR compliance, and manufacturing cost estimating. • Experience leading cross-functional and multi-site teams while driving process improvements, operational excellence, and organizational change. • Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on problem solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. • Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience partnering across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, and Executive Leadership. • U.S. Person status as defined by ITAR requirements. What's on Offer • Permanent Director of Engineering and Estimating position in Chicago. • Salary of $100,000 to $130,000. • Benefits. • Interested? Apply today.Base Salary Compensation up to $210,000 • 3 weeks PTO • 401K Match • Medical • Dental • Vision • More!

Requirements

Must-haves

Lead an autonomous established department that's growing!
Make an immediate impact on high-level projects!
Set the vision and direction for the Engineering and Estimating teams, ensuring alignment with the company's growth strategy and customer needs.
Lead engineering performance across the organization, driving improvements in quality, efficiency, delivery, and overall operational results.
Oversee all manufacturing, process, tooling, programming, CAD/CAM, and product engineering functions.
Direct the estimating process, ensuring accurate costing, competitive pricing, and consistent margin performance across all programs.
Improve quote response times while maintaining a high level of accuracy and supporting profitable business growth.
Champion automation, digital manufacturing initiatives, AI-driven estimating tools, and continuous technology advancement.
Lead new product introduction efforts, first article inspection readiness (AS9102), engineering change management, and production launches.
Partner closely with Sales and customers to secure new business through strong manufacturing expertise, innovative solutions, and competitive proposals.
Build and develop a high-performing engineering team through coaching, succession planning, and clear accountability.
Evaluate and recommend capital investments that support capacity, capability, and long-term growth while ensuring strong returns on investment.
Serve as the senior engineering representative during customer, regulatory, and quality audits.
The Successful Applicant
A successful Director of Engineering and Estimating should have: • Experience with engineering planning and cost estimating.
Ability to review technical requirements and build clear project scopes.
Experience preparing cost breakdowns, estimate assumptions, and project documentation.
Ability to connect engineering details with practical cost and schedule considerations.
Experience coordinating engineering and estimating activities across project stakeholders.
Ability to communicate technical and cost information in clear, useful terms.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Proven experience leading engineering teams within aerospace precision machining or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Track record of managing engineering organizations that support complex manufacturing operations and significant business growth.
Strong expertise in CNC machining, GD&T, AS9100, AS9102, ITAR compliance, and manufacturing cost estimating.
Experience leading cross-functional and multi-site teams while driving process improvements, operational excellence, and organizational change.

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Benefits

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Dental

Vision

401k

Pto