Director Engineering

Location: South Burlington, VT - USA

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

We are DR Power, a Generac Company, professional power equipment done right.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Established in 1985, we are a leader in the design and manufacture of professional-grade gas and battery-powered outdoor power equipment. We are dedicated to the enduring quality and uncompromising performance of everything we build. We stand behind every DR® product and are here to help every customer regardless of when or where they made their initial purchase. 

The Director of Engineering leads all engineering activities for DR Power, including new product introductions (NPI), cost reduction initiatives, technology and research, and full product lifecycle support. This role requires deep technical engineering expertise, a strong operational and manufacturing orientation, and exceptional people leadership.

The Director partners closely with business leadership and cross‑functional teams including Operations, Supply Chain, Service, Finance, and Product Management to deliver high‑quality, competitive products aligned with product and operational strategy. This leader is accountable for building a high‑performing engineering organization while driving disciplined execution, innovation, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Define and execute engineering strategy aligned with business priorities, product roadmap, and operational objectives.

• Lead all engineering functions, ensuring strong integration between product development, manufacturing, and operations.

• Drive results across core product lines with accountability for quality, cost, and delivery performance.

• Own the end‑to‑end product development lifecycle from concept through launch and lifecycle support.

• Lead multiple concurrent NPI programs, balancing core platform development with faster, supplier‑enabled initiatives.

• Ensure disciplined execution of design for manufacturing, design for assembly, design‑to‑cost, and serviceability principles.

• Provide executive oversight of development schedules, resources, product cost targets, quality objectives, and validation readiness.

• Partner closely with manufacturing and operations to improve build efficiency, quality, and cost performance.

• Ensure rigorous application of quality systems, GD&T standards, and verification and validation processes.

• Lead sustaining engineering efforts to address warranty trends, field issues, and legacy design risks.

• Establish and continuously improve engineering development processes to increase speed, consistency, and scalability.

• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement while maintaining execution discipline.

• Build and lead a high‑performing global engineering organization.

• Develop engineering leaders through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.

• Align goals, accountability, and recognition systems to business outcomes and engineering excellence.

• Partner with leadership to define and execute a global product development roadmap.

• Manage engineering budgets to support growth, profitability, and compliance objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related degree;

• 15 years of progressive engineering experience

• 7 years management experience

This role sits on-site in our South Burlington, VT office.

Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Vermont is $175,000-$195,000.   This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled.  Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location.  This role is eligible for variable compensation including short term and long-term incentives.
 
This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits.

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Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”