Vp of Engineering- Retained

This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly growing aerospace and defense manufacturer where engineering has a direct seat at the executive table and where ownership is committed to investing in people, technology, automation, and long-term growth. This role offers something that’s increasingly rare: the opportunity to build an engineering organization, lead strategic growth, participate in acquisitions, and have direct executive influence-all within a financially strong, family-owned company. To support our aggressive growth roadmap - which includes capital investment in new CNC capacity, robotic welding, and automated assembly cells - we are seeking a transformational Vice President of Engineering to unify our technical organization and architect the next generation of our manufacturing enterprise. The Vice President of Engineering is a senior executive accountable for the technical strategy, operational performance, and organizational development of all engineering & quality functions supporting manufacturing. This leader will inherit five distinct groups - Manufacturing Engineering, Production Planning, CNC/Robotic Programming, Quality Assurance/Control and a nascent automation initiative - and will consolidate them into a cohesive, high-performing engineering & quality organization over the first 12 18 months. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires equal parts strategic vision and shop-floor credibility. The VP of Engineering will be a key voice in capital planning, customer-facing technical discussions, and long-range operational strategy, reporting directly to the COO.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree or MBA preferred
• 12+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior Engineering or Operations leadership role
• Proven track record leading and consolidating multiple engineering functions in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment
• Deep expertise in CNC machining (3- through 5-axis), precision welding, and/or complex assembly operations
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation, robotics integration, or smart manufacturing initiatives
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100D quality management systems; NADCAP experience highly valued
• Proficiency with ERP systems (Epicor, Plex, SAP, or equivalent) and CAM platforms (NX, Mastercam, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and build high-performing, accountable teams
• Experience authoring and defending capital investment proposals at the executive and board level

Preferred

• Experience in a privately held, growth-stage manufacturing company navigating rapid capacity expansion
• Familiarity with Model-Based Definition (MBD), digital twin, or Industry 4.0 / digital thread concepts
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred)
• Experience with ITAR-controlled manufacturing environments and associated export compliance requirements
• Knowledge of FAR/DFAR requirements and prime contractor-specific manufacturing quality plans (MQPs)
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management discipline
• Prior experience building an automation engineering function from the ground up
• Familiarity with CMMC cybersecurity framework as it relates to engineering systems and data
• APQP/PPAP &AS9100 experience, Job Description: Qualification 10+ years of applicable experience, including 3+ years as a Digital Account Director, Digital Project Director or client-facing technical consul…
• 24 days ago

Our client is a privately held, $120M aerospace precision manufacturing company experiencing exceptional growth at a 15%+ CAGR. Our operations center on complex machining, precision welding, and advanced assembly for aerospace prime contractors, defense systems integrators, and commercial aviation OEMs. We hold AS9100D, NADCAP, and relevant FAR/DFAR certifications and operate in a culture defined by our focus on our Organizational Values as well as metrics driven to assure zero-defect manufacturing, on-time delivery, and continuous process improvement., PayneCrest Electric, Inc.

• Saint Louis, MO PROJECT DIRECTOR Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, PayneCrest Electric, Inc. is a nationally recognized electrical contractor and trusted partner for delivering the industry’…