Job Description

Engineering Manager / Engineering Director

Location: Arvada, CO (On-Site)

Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time | Exempt

Compensation: $135,000–$155,000 (up to $170,000 at Director level, based on qualifications)

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting on behalf of a client, a well-established, industry-leading manufacturer based in the Denver metro area, for an Engineering Manager or Engineering Director. This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing a multidisciplinary engineering team spanning mechanical, electrical, and software/controls disciplines. The right candidate will bring both hands-on technical depth and a track record of leading engineering teams through full product lifecycles, from concept through industrialization and ongoing support. Depending on qualifications and experience, this position may be leveled at the Manager or Director level, with compensation adjusted accordingly.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement cross-training programs to build team versatility and encourage knowledge sharing across engineering disciplines.
• Provide strategic direction and ensure alignment of engineering activities with broader organizational goals and business objectives.
• Drive engineering initiatives from concept through launch — managing timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate design efforts across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to ensure seamless system integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and international teams to identify and execute strategic engineering projects.
• Oversee development of embedded controls software and ensure alignment with mechanical and electrical system requirements.
• Guide mechanical and electrical design activities to meet performance, safety, and compliance standards.
• Champion design-for-manufacturability and reliability across all engineering disciplines.
• Ensure system-level performance optimization through effective integration of hardware and software components.
• Audit, revise, and establish engineering processes and work instructions to improve efficiency and quality.
• Partner with production, operations, and quality teams to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce costs.
• Apply structured project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, Agile, Stage Gate) to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Drive risk management, change control, and clear stakeholder communication throughout project lifecycles.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or product development environments.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects from concept through production.
• Strong project management skills; experience with PMI, Agile, or Stage Gate methodologies.
• Mechanical: proficiency in solid modeling (SolidWorks or equivalent), design-for-manufacturing principles, tolerance analysis, and materials.
• Electrical: experience with panel design, NEC/UL/ETL compliance, PCB design, power electronics, and embedded hardware.
• Software/Controls: familiarity with embedded systems, C/C++, real-time OS, and communication protocols.
• Experience with systems engineering practices including requirements management, interface control, and configuration/change management.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Strong problem-solving ability, active listening skills, and a hands-on leadership style.

  Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Background in fluid power/hydraulic systems (pumps, valves, actuators, circuit design, contamination control).
• Experience with EMC/EMI compliance, sensor/actuator integration, and embedded hardware design.
• Prior experience leading engineering teams in a global or matrixed organization.

Compensation & Schedule

• Base Salary: $135,000–$155,000 (Manager level); up to $170,000 at Director level based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling.
• Full-time, on-site role in Arvada, CO.

Additional Information

Our client is a well-respected, growth-oriented manufacturer with a strong culture of innovation and a collaborative engineering environment. The team is hands-on, technically strong, and values leaders who can operate at both a strategic and practical level. If you’re an engineering leader who thrives on building teams, solving complex integration challenges, and delivering products that make a real-world impact — we’d like to hear from you.