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Director of Engineering

Location: Winsted, MN

Job Type: Permanent/Direct-Hire

Compensation: $140,000 - $173,000 annually

Industry: Manufacturing

About the Role

Our client, a leading North American manufacturer of highly engineered infrastructure and transportation solutions, is seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead and grow its engineering organization. This leadership role is responsible for driving engineering strategy, supporting market expansion initiatives, strengthening relationships with transportation agencies, and ensuring the development of innovative, standards-compliant products. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise within the transportation infrastructure, structural products, or manufactured products industry, along with strong leadership capabilities and knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and specifications. This individual will play a key role in shaping engineering processes, developing talent, and positioning the organization for continued growth in new and existing markets.

Job Description

  • Provide strategic leadership for the engineering function, aligning engineering initiatives with business objectives and growth strategies.
  • Develop and mentor a high-performing engineering team through hiring, coaching, training, and performance development.
  • Lead efforts to enter new markets by identifying opportunities, supporting product development initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Serve as an industry advocate by actively participating in trade associations, committees, conferences, and professional organizations.
  • Maintain expertise in AASHTO standards, DOT specifications, and transportation infrastructure requirements.
  • Build and strengthen communication channels that enhance customer engagement and responsiveness in partnership with customer experience teams.
  • Establish and standardize engineering design, calculation, and documentation processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineering and drafting teams to integrate production standards and best practices into product designs.
  • Support customer-facing teams by providing technical expertise and guidance related to DOT regulations and product specifications.
  • Manage customer escalations involving engineering, design, and compliance considerations.
  • Foster collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, sales, customer experience, and field teams.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support product quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
  • Lead project planning, resource allocation, and engineering prioritization across multiple initiatives.
  • Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance departmental performance and efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
  • Progressive engineering leadership experience, including managing and developing engineering teams.
  • Experience with business-to-business (B2B) product development, technical product design, or specification development.
  • Strong knowledge of DOT standards, transportation infrastructure requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
  • Understanding of AASHTO standards and their application to engineered products.
  • Experience supporting customer-facing engineering functions and resolving technical issues.
  • Proficiency with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Demonstrated experience with project management, process standardization, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including presentations, meetings, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing or engineering environment.
  • Strong interpersonal, networking, and influencing skills.
  • Data-driven mindset with the ability to leverage technology to improve outcomes.
  • Strong mathematical aptitude, including geometry, algebra, and engineering calculations.

Preferred

  • Experience within the transportation infrastructure, highway products, structural steel, precast concrete, or engineered manufacturing industries.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience engaging directly with state Departments of Transportation and regulatory agencies.
  • Track record of successfully launching products, expanding market presence, or entering new markets.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
  • Experience leading engineering organizations within a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

  • comprehensive health coverage with medical, dental, and vision plans, plus company HSA contributions and flexible spending accounts.
  • Employees receive company-paid life and disability insurance, along with optional voluntary benefits such as accident and critical illness coverage.
  • Financial security is supported through a 401(k) plan with a 4% match and immediate vesting, as well as performance-based incentive programs, including eligibility for a Short-Term Incentive Plan tied to operational results.
  • For work-life balance, the package offers unlimited PTO, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually, an Employee Assistance Program, onsite training opportunities, and uniform subsidies for eligible roles.
  • Benefits apply to employees working 30+ hours per week, with 401(k) available to all employees.

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, Dahl Consulting welcomes candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

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