Vice President Of Engineering - Aerospace - Buffalo, NY

This role oversees engineering across product development, manufacturing support, and technical operations while guiding long‑term innovation and excellence. You'll lead a multidisciplinary team, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure the delivery of high‑quality, technology‑driven solutions.

Client Details

This organization is a well-established, U.S.-based precision manufacturer serving highly regulated industries. They are known for complex products, stringent quality standards, and a strong commitment to safety. Operations are team-oriented, data-driven, and highly focused on continuous improvement. The environment is hands-on and fast-paced, with strong collaboration across engineering, quality, and production. Leadership is supportive, visible on the floor, and invested in developing talent. The company is looking for a proven operations leader to help take their Assembly & Test performance to the next level.

Description

• Lead engineering teams across product development, manufacturing engineering, and project engineering.
• Direct the creation, improvement, and validation of new products, materials, specifications, and test protocols.
• Oversee project execution, ensuring schedules, budgets, and technical requirements are met.
• Strengthen engineering processes aligned with industry and customer expectations.
• Conduct detailed design reviews and ensure alignment with technical and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance quality, reduce cycle time, and elevate engineering standards.
• Provide technical leadership to quality, procurement, production, and documentation groups.
• Oversee the engineering lab, prototype operations, and digital drawing databases.
• Support root‑cause analysis on returned or failed products.
• Lead R&D initiatives, product line development, and intellectual property strategy.
• Establish and track KPIs for engineering performance and process maturity.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor engineering talent while fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Serve as a technical representative with customers and suppliers.
• Participate in executive‑level strategic planning and program reviews.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in product development.
• 3+ years leading engineering teams or technical organizations.
• Background in complex manufacturing environments, ideally involving advanced materials.
• Experience with engineering standards, drawings, modeling tools, and industry documentation practices.
• Strong project management abilities and familiarity with structured engineering processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team‑building capabilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive innovation across teams.

Job Offer

• Competitive base salary and compensation package.
• Strong benefits package and long‑term professional stability
• Executive‑level responsibility with significant influence on product and technology strategy.
• Opportunity to lead a multi‑disciplinary engineering organization.
• A culture that supports innovation, continuous improvement, and career growth.
• Chance to shape next‑generation technology within a growing U.S. manufacturer.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in product development.