How to hire a director of manufacturing engineering

How to hire a director of manufacturing engineering, step by step

Here's a step-by-step director of manufacturing engineering hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a director of manufacturing engineering job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new director of manufacturing engineering
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a director of manufacturing engineering do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the director of manufacturing engineering you need to hire. Certain director of manufacturing engineering roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A director of manufacturing engineering's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, directors of manufacturing engineering from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents director of manufacturing engineering salaries for various positions.

   Type of Director Of Manufacturing Engineering	Description	Hourly rate
   Director Of Manufacturing Engineering	Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies.	$54-109
   Research And Development Director	A research and development director spearheads and oversees the research and development initiatives and projects in a company. It is their duty to set goals and guidelines, establish timelines and budgets, direct and manage different departments, liaise with internal and external parties, gather and analyze data to implement solutions against problem areas, and utilize expertise in developing strategies to optimize company operations... Show more	$45-96
   Research And Development Manager	A research and development manager is responsible for supervising project development procedures to support business operations and identify business opportunities that would pave the way for more revenue resources and profits. Research and development managers monitor the production plans from the conceptualization to the final outputs, inspecting inconsistencies and flaws in every phase and revising strategies as needed to achieve the required specifications and requirements... Show more	$37-83

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Continuous Improvement
   • Project Management
   • Sigma
   • R
   • Product Development
   • Lean Six Sigma
   • Process Engineering
   • Process Improvement
   • Product Design
   • Direct Reports
   • Product Quality
   • Cost Reduction
   • Process Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage state-of-the-art extrusion plant with single screw and twin screw technology and co-extrusion capability.
   • Host FDA inspections, ISO certification and third party audits.
   • Ensure compliance with NSF, FDA, UL, CSA, CE, FCC and other regulatory standards.
   • Institute an ISO compliant procedure program.
   • Evaluate, purchase and install CNC equipment for die manufacturing.
   • Process encompasses high speed metal cutting, grinding, CNC machining, polishing, and plating.

   More director of manufacturing engineering duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your director of manufacturing engineering job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A director of manufacturing engineering can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, directors of manufacturing engineering' average salary in south carolina is 39% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level directors of manufacturing engineering 50% less than senior-level directors of manufacturing engineering.
   • Certifications. A director of manufacturing engineering with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a director of manufacturing engineering's salary.

   Average director of manufacturing engineering salary

   $160,810yearly

   $77.31 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level director of manufacturing engineering salary

   $113,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average director of manufacturing engineering salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$203,818	$98
   2	Nevada	$199,730	$96
   3	Massachusetts	$157,416	$76
   4	New York	$157,346	$76
   5	Texas	$156,548	$75
   6	Indiana	$155,059	$75
   7	Utah	$143,289	$69
   8	Delaware	$139,481	$67
   9	Oklahoma	$134,544	$65
   10	Colorado	$131,705	$63
   11	Missouri	$128,677	$62

   Average director of manufacturing engineering salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$208,150	$100.07	234
   2	Quidel	$181,131	$87.08
   3	Barracuda Networks	$175,607	$84.43	5
   4	Tesla	$174,603	$83.94	17
   5	Brose North America, Inc.	$173,617	$83.47
   6	Hellas Construction	$170,806	$82.12
   7	Rivian	$168,358	$80.94	14
   8	Honeywell	$165,716	$79.67	102
   9	Romeo Power, Inc.	$164,632	$79.15
   10	Flex Construction	$164,423	$79.05	8
   11	Cresilon	$164,423	$79.05	2
   12	ColdQuanta	$164,423	$79.05
   13	FCC Commercial Furniture	$162,768	$78.25
   14	Sovos Brands	$162,598	$78.17
   15	First Solar	$162,234	$78.00	44
   16	OSI Optoelectronics	$162,040	$77.90
   17	L'Oréal	$161,693	$77.74	3
   18	Faurecia Interior Systems Inc	$160,908	$77.36
   19	Vicarious Surgical	$160,800	$77.31
   20	The Hershey Company	$159,433	$76.65	5

4. Writing a director of manufacturing engineering job description

   A good director of manufacturing engineering job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a director of manufacturing engineering job description:

   Director of manufacturing engineering job description example

   Our people create our best Plexus.
   
   WHO WE ARE
   
   We're a global team of over 19,000 engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket service experts who partner with customers to bring their products to life through inspired innovation and world-class customer service.
   
   We are passionate about innovating, creating and delivering products that change people's lives. From surgical devices and health monitors to warehouse robotics and space products, we partner with our customers to help create the products that build a better world.
   
   Whether you're looking to start, make a change or advance your career, find your path at Plexus Corp. and leave your mark on the world.
   
   WHY WE LOVE IT
   
   Engaging and challenging projects that fulfill and develop you. People that inspire and empower you to realize your full potential. Leadership and development programs to support your career goals. A workplace centered on inclusion and collaboration. At Plexus, we're at our best when opportunities are met with passion, open communication and teamwork.
   
   HOW YOU WILL DO IT
   
   Purpose Statement: The Director of Engineering - Manufacturing will have exclusive ownership driving improvements to customer specific engineering needs. The role will focus on ensuring there is cross functional alignment to provide engineering support and resolve customer issues. This role will also provide strategic vision to define product roadmaps and technologies that need to be implemented and delivery of new products that are being released into the customer focus teams.
   
   Key Job Accountabilities:
   CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Develop the strategy and detailed plan for acquisition of new technologies that will drive differentiation in our market space. Development of vision for current technologies while enhancing processes and taking systems to the next level. Oversee development of methods for test/inspection process strategies/solutions. Lead documentation of current and future value stream mapping of manufacturing or transactions-based processes.CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE: Ensure the processes, organizational capability and culture combine to consistently meet agreed commitments to customers. Must be able to build collaborative relationships with internal customers and across the organization. Lead the selection and development of standard work for customer specified process equipment.METRICS MANAGEMENT: Create and monitor objectives, goals, strategies and measures for the engineering teams. Establish efficient processes and systems to track and report status of initiatives to include resources, projects, savings, etc. Lead development and adoption of process performance monitors to achieve takt time.STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT: Become the standardize subject matter expertise for manufacturing operations to characterize and control the critical operational standards and methods that enables quality, cost and delivery on the customer products. Lead process capability matrix relative to site technology roadmap. Lead the execution of equipment installation, operational and performance qualification.TALENT DEVELOPMENT: Build strong engineers, technicians, and leaders through developing resources for further training, building a candidate pipeline and ongoing coaching.Accountable to execute on Plexus' Best People strategy, leaders will focus on evaluating potential, driving succession planning and ensuring that their employees receive the development and coaching required to realize their full potential.
   
   Additional Accountabilities:
   Lead the standardization of methods for manufacturing process strategies/solutions.Create, implement, and maintain standardized process control plans.Work with regional partners to collaborate and best practice share.Oversee equipment and MRO material vendor activity.Identify and qualify external service suppliers (coating, tinning, rework, etc.).Lead maintenance and prioritization of user enhancements of globally promoted application.Lead capital planning for IT infrastructures and equipment.Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 25%).Additional duties as assigned.
   
   Education/Experience Qualifications:
   A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required; a degree in Engineering is preferred. Ten (10) years of related experience is required; Seven (7) or more years of equivalent industry experience is preferred.General Knowledge of ISO 9000, AS9100, TL9000, ISO 13485, FDA GMP Quality System Requirements, through training or hands on experience is necessary for success in this role Black Belt certification is preferred
   
   An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key job accountabilities may be considered.
   Other Qualifications:
   Employee must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment.Ability to set a vision and strategy for the department.General office equipment and materials.
   
   Work Environment:
   The work setting should consist of an office environment with suitable lighting, comfortable temperatures, and a low noise level.
   
   This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.
   Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and upon completion of a confidentiality agreement.Our Values and How We Lead behaviors guide our processes. Plexus does not make employment decisions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and encourage all to apply today!Globally, our policy is to recruit people from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, our company does not typically undertake sponsorship, including for H-1B, TN, and other nonimmigrant visas. Additionally, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right director of manufacturing engineering for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with directors of manufacturing engineering they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit directors of manufacturing engineering who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your director of manufacturing engineering job on Zippia to find and recruit director of manufacturing engineering candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit directors of manufacturing engineering, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new director of manufacturing engineering

   Once you have selected a candidate for the director of manufacturing engineering position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new director of manufacturing engineering first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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