Vice President of Engineering – Manufacturing

Location: Crawfordville, FL
Salary: $150,000–$165,000 + 15% Bonus Potential
Job Type: Full-Time
Relocation: Partial relocation assistance available
Travel: Approximately 10%

About the Opportunity

We are conducting a nationwide search for a position with a client in the greater Tallahassee, FL area; relocation assistance is provided.

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President of Engineering to lead engineering strategy, product development, and technical operations for an established and growing manufacturer.

This executive leadership role will oversee a multidisciplinary team spanning mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineering. The VP of Engineering will partner closely with Operations, Quality, Sales, Field Services, and executive leadership to improve existing products, accelerate new product development, strengthen manufacturing performance, and support continued company growth.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering leadership with practical experience in a manufacturing and product-development environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop mechanical, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineering teams

• Establish engineering priorities aligned with company growth and operational objectives

• Direct new product development from concept through commercialization

• Drive product reliability, manufacturability, quality, and cost improvements

• Partner with manufacturing to improve efficiency and production throughput

• Lead design-for-manufacturing, value engineering, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action initiatives

• Provide leadership for PLC-based automation, controls, drives, safety circuits, and related technologies

• Support field operations and develop solutions to reduce warranty issues

• Oversee engineering compliance with applicable safety codes and regulatory requirements

• Develop long-term  product and technology roadmaps

• Recruit, mentor, and retain a high-performing engineering organization

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline

• 10+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience

• 5+ years managing engineering teams within a manufacturing environment

• Strong background in product development, manufacturing processes, and quality systems

• Experience leading large, cross-functional engineering initiatives

• Demonstrated success developing engineering talent and building accountable teams

• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

• Strong executive communication, decision-making, and organizational skills

Highly Preferred

Experience with elevators, lifts, vertical transportation, material handling, industrial automation, or similarly engineered equipment is highly desirable.

Additional experience with PLCs, VFDs, industrial controls, safety systems, automation, field service operations, or regulated products would be especially valuable. Elevator industry candidates with knowledge of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• $150,000–$165,000 base salary

• 15% bonus potential

• Partial relocation assistance

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off

• Life, disability, and AD&D insurance

• Flexible spending account

• Employee assistance program

• Tuition reimbursement

• Career advancement opportunities

Take the Next Step

This is an opportunity to lead engineering for a growing organization where you’ll have significant influence over product strategy, engineering talent, manufacturing performance, innovation, and future growth.

If you’re an experienced engineering executive who enjoys being both strategic and close enough to the operation to make things happen, we’d like to hear from you.

APPLY by submitting your resume to LLEE@LEEHILLASSOCIATES.COM.  Put the job title in the subject line.