Location: South Windsor, CT
Company: Electro-Methods Inc. (EMI), a Stronvar Aerospace Company
Reports To: President
Position Overview
Electro-Methods Inc. (EMI), a Stronvar Aerospace company, is seeking a strategic and execution-oriented Vice President of Engineering to lead all engineering functions in support of precision aerospace component manufacturing.
This executive will be accountable for engineering excellence across manufacturing process development, technical execution, new product introduction (NPI), cost optimization, digital enablement, and scalable infrastructure to support EMI’s growth plan.
The VP of Engineering will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, translating customer requirements into robust manufacturing solutions while building a high-performance engineering organization capable of supporting accelerated aerospace growth in a regulated environment (AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR).
Key Responsibilities
1. Engineering Strategy & Organizational Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year Engineering Strategy aligned to Stronvar’s value creation plan.
- Build and lead a high-performing engineering organization capable of supporting revenue ramp and complexity growth.
- Drive succession planning, talent development, and pipeline strategy (including early-career and experienced engineering talent).
- Establish clear performance metrics (SQDC + Engineering KPIs) and accountability systems.
2. Manufacturing & Process Engineering Excellence
- Oversee development of robust manufacturing processes for CNC machining (5-axis, mill/turn), EDM, heat treat, NDT, fabrication, and finishing.
- Ensure strong GD&T application, tolerance stack-up analysis, and process capability.
- Lead fixture/tooling design strategy to enable repeatability and productivity.
- Standardize work instructions, travelers, time standards, and routing accuracy.
- Reduce rework, scrap, and cost of poor quality (COPQ) through engineering rigor.
3. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Customer Integration
- Lead technical review of RFQs and participate in cost modeling and DFM assessments.
- Ensure structured NPI process with defined stage gates (contract review → planning → first article → production readiness).
- Partner with Sales and Program Management to ensure manufacturability and margin integrity.
- Improve ECN/ECR cycle time and change management discipline.
4. Quality, Compliance & Technical Governance
- Oversee the Quality function to ensure compliance with:
- AS9100
- NADCAP special processes
- Customer-specific requirements (GE Aerospace, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, etc.)
- Ensure engineering documentation integrity and configuration control.
- Lead technical root cause investigations for escapes or systemic issues.
5. Lean / Continuous Improvement Integration
- Embed Lean manufacturing principles into engineering design and planning.
- Improve flow, cycle time, and setup reduction.
- Support Tier 1/Tier 2 Daily Management and data transparency.
- Drive digital enablement (MRP accuracy, NX CAD/CAM integration, ERP integration, process automation).
6. Cost, Productivity & Capacity Planning
- Develop engineering-driven productivity roadmap.
- Align capacity models with hiring plan and capital investments.
- Support EBITDA margin improvement through:
- Yield improvement
- Setup reduction
- Automation strategy
- Process simplification
7. Capital Investment & Technology Roadmap
- Evaluate and justify capital investments (machines, software, automation).
- Establish future-state technology roadmap (CAD/CAM, simulation, inspection integration).
- Benchmark industry best practices in aerospace manufacturing.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership in aerospace manufacturing.
- 8+ years leading engineering teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Deep expertise in:
- CNC machining (multi-axis)
- GD&T
- Tooling/fixture design
- Process planning
- Aerospace quality systems
- Experience with NX (or equivalent advanced CAD/CAM system).
- Proven leadership in Lean/CI transformation.
- Strong financial acumen (cost modeling, ROI, margin improvement).
- U.S. Person (ITAR compliance).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in private-equity backed aerospace organization.
- Exposure to GE Aerospace / Pratt & Whitney / Honeywell technical environments.
- Experience scaling engineering teams during growth phases.
- Background in special processes (NDT, heat treat, NADCAP environments).
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic but execution-focused.
- Builds strong technical credibility on the shop floor.
- Data-driven decision maker.
- Drives accountability without bureaucracy.
- Develops leaders and technical depth.
- Comfortable operating in high-growth, performance-driven environment.
Qualified candidates may email their résumé along with a completed application form to: jobs@electro-methods.com or apply in person at Electro-Methods, Inc. 330 Governors Hwy, South Windsor, CT 06074.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
