Director of Engineering

Company Overview: For over 50 years, Wunder-Bar, a Middleby Company, has been at the forefront of beverage dispensing innovation. We have built a legacy of exceptional product development, unmatched customer satisfaction, and superior operational performance. Our commitment to quality and service remains unwavering, as we continue to set the global standard for beverage dispensing solutions.
 

When you walk into nearly any bar or tavern around the world, chances are you’ll see a Wunder-Bar bar gun—trusted by industry professionals for its reliability and precision. Our flexible hose post-mix dispenser is the go-to choice for beverage dispensing, a true testament to our pioneering spirit. In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of beverage dispensing systems such as beverage towers, non-carbonated bubblers, nitro beverage dispensing systems, and coffee equipment. We also provide innovative dispensing solutions for pizza sauce and condiments.

At Wunder-Bar, we understand that value and service are crucial to our success. We are committed to maintaining this philosophy now and into the future, as we continue to lead the way in beverage and food dispensing innovation. Our relentless drive for excellence has extended into a variety of new dispensing systems, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Position Overview: 

The Director of Engineering will lead and manage the product design engineering team, overseeing technical research, new product development, and significant product and process improvement initiatives aligned with corporate strategy. This role is responsible for developing and executing engineering objectives that support broader business goals, fostering collaboration with other management teams, and cultivating strong relationships with external partners and suppliers. The Director will play a key role in optimizing engineering operations, ensuring the successful delivery of critical projects, and driving innovation across the organization.

Main Responsibilities:

• Oversee the overall performance, safety, functionality, cost-efficiency, design quality, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability of products. Lead the creation of new designs and continuous improvements to existing products.
• Plan, manage, and execute new product designs and major upgrades. Analyze customer needs, market trends, and competitor products to inform design decisions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to direct and approve design activities, contributing to strategic product planning and business growth.
• Identify potential intellectual property opportunities and risks related to new product designs. Support the development and refinement of patent and trademark applications to protect innovations.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements by attending workshops, reviewing publications, engaging in technical committees, and expanding personal professional networks to enhance product design expertise.
• Develop and maintain detailed product design documentation, including 3D CAD models, component specifications, bills of materials, and assembly requirements. Ensure products comply with relevant certifications (e.g., UL, NSF, CE, CSA) and regulatory standards.
• Oversee engineering projects, ensuring completion on time and within budget. Assign tasks to product engineers, designers, and technicians, and ensure the quality and timeliness of deliverables.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are aligned with production capabilities, sourcing plans, and investment strategies, ensuring seamless production processes.
• Manage and mentor engineering staff by overseeing recruitment, training, performance management, and career development. Provide guidance, coaching, and regular feedback to promote continuous improvement.
• Prepare and manage engineering budgets, including capital and expense plans. Approve expenditures, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to stay within financial targets.
• Develop and enforce policies, systems, and procedures to maintain smooth engineering operations. Contribute to the creation of new business policies as necessary.
• Create a workplace that encourages regular feedback, growth, and development to ensure team members' continuous improvement and engagement.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with 5S standards across engineering, design, prototype, and testing areas. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 12+ years of progressive experience in engineering, with increasing responsibility in product development, design, and manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years of managerial experience with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, driving performance, and managing engineering operations.
• Expertise in mechanical design, appliance controls and components, and refrigeration system applications.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, with a deep understanding of production processes, design for manufacturability, and optimizing product performance and cost efficiency.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior management, design teams, manufacturing, and external stakeholders.
• Track record of driving innovation, improving product quality, and delivering results while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Experience with international product standards and certifications, including UL/ETL, NSF, CE, CSA, FDA, and others, is highly desirable.