Director of Engineering

Posted by Buck Knives on 06/29/2022

Job Basics

Industry Sector: Hunting/Shooting

Job Categories: Management - Executive

Company Type: HardGoods/Equipment

State: ID

City: Post Falls

Country: United States

Required Experience: 10+ years

Job Type: Full Time

Salary:

Required to Relocate: Yes

Required to Travel: Yes

Employee May Telecommute: No

Job Seeker Must Live Within:

Job Description & Requirements

We make purpose driven knives that last for generations. Come join us.

The Director of Engineering provides strategic vision and leadership to the engineering and product development functions in support of the company’s financial goals and product initiatives. The position drives planning and tactical execution of 40 – 60 new product development and sustaining engineering projects annually; creatively evolves new technology and product platforms to meet consumer and customer needs; and establishes clearly defined, deadline-driven objectives and processes for delivery of best-of-class products. As a key member of Executive Team this position supports overall company objectives and organizational needs, and leads a team of design engineers, project managers, and industrial designers, as well as working closely with product management, manufacturing engineering, operations, and finance functions.

Working cross-functionally with the Operations, Sourcing, Sales, and Marketing departments, the Director of Engineering drives timely development and execution of innovative new product platforms, mechanisms, materials, technologies, and market-driven product enhancements. The position relies on high technical aptitude and broad experience in new product development in manufacturing / assembly environments to exceed NPI financial goals in a growing organization. The Director of Engineering is comfortable and experienced working in a mature branded consumer product category serving multiple consumer end-use segments and distribution channels, including direct-to-consumer and retail. Understands unique challenges of accelerating market penetration of an established, industry-leading brand. Manages design and utility patent portfolio and ongoing IP evaluation in conjunction with outside legal counsel.

The Director of Engineering motivates, mentors and challenges the engineering / NPI organization to increase new product output in alignment with business opportunities in the hunting, camping, everyday carry, custom / specialty, and outdoor product segments. Provides detailed review / oversight of designs and concepts throughout the development process to minimize risks and delays. Develops and regularly reports performance metrics for the engineering department, focusing on key milestones and time-to-market deadlines. Plans and maintains project, department and capital expense budgets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Passionate, innovative and energetic leader of best-in class engineering and product development organization in a growing branded consumer product company.
• Instills pride, teamwork and accountability among staff; leads by example; strong advocate and voice for engineering function within executive team and organization.
• Positive contributor to overall product development, design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and commercialization processes.
• Provides strong business leadership and strategic direction regarding new technology, manufacturing processes; when needed, works with sourcing to qualify suppliers, component vendors, and other supply chain partners.
• Identifies, evaluates and incorporates new technologies and processes to enhance product performance, improve quality, reduce cost, and exceed customer expectations.
• Anticipates and takes creative action to facilitate new business opportunities, and ensures their effective implementation through the product development and engineering organizations.
• Verifies Product Requirements Document (PRD) requirements are met, and works with marketing and product management personnel to modify PRD or design accordingly.
• Identifies and monitors technology and competitor innovations, especially in the specialty cutlery category.
• Manages intellectual property portfolio which includes trade secrets, design and utility patents; reviews patentability of new technologies; interfaces with IP counsel.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• BS in Engineering (Mechanical or Design preferred).
• Minimum 10+ years directing/managing people in a growth-oriented organization.
• 10 - 15 years in product development, preferably at a growing consumer products company.
• Proficient in engineering disciplines (CAD design, tooling, assembly, fabrication, mechanical test & evaluation, quality).
• 10+ years of experience developing and executing new products within a consumer products manufacturing company; equivalent experience within a contract manufacturer / sourced product company a plus.

Knowledge/Competencies/Skills

• Must be an action-oriented hands-on leader, able to be effective in a low-infrastructure, fast-paced environment.
• Proficient using current project management software tools and processes, including engineering capacity planning and NPI scheduling.
• Proficient using Excel and other financial and business management software and tools.
• Comfortable creating and presenting information using Microsoft Power Point or other software.
• Capable of articulating complex technical information.
• Capable of evaluating and providing guidance on risks regarding product quality and performance.

 

About Buck Knives

Behind every Buck knife is over 110 years of experience and craftsmanship. We use the very best materials and state-of-the-art technology to create knives that meet the exacting demands you would expect of a high quality knife. We guarantee our knives with our Forever Warranty, because we believe in the integrity of our products.