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At Virginia Transformer, we're not just manufacturing custom transformers — we're building power solutions that move the world. As a privately held, organically growing company, we thrive on momentum, innovation, and grit.

If you love the thrill of manufacturing, the strategy of an endurance race, and the energy of a fast-moving train — this is your track. We train hard, grow together, and lead with purpose. Every transformer we build is custom, every challenge unique, and every team member essential.

We're looking for those ready to lead, fueled by commitment, and driven by impact. One team. One mission. One source.

Job Title: Director of Mechanical Engineering

Location: Roanoke, VA (On-site, with regular travel to multiple U.S. plants)

About the Role

Virginia Transformer Corporation is seeking a hands-on Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical design and development function across six manufacturing plants. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in mechanical systems, metallurgy, and polymers, along with strong leadership experience in custom electromechanical equipment design.

This role will be responsible for standardizing design practices, improving manufacturability, and ensuring all mechanical designs meet rigorous standards of quality, performance, and safety. You will collaborate closely with plant-level engineering teams, corporate R&D, sourcing, and vendor quality to drive innovation, consistency, and cost optimization across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical design engineers across multiple sites, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure consistent application of the mechanical design manual and design standards across all six plants.
• Partner with corporate R&D to advance new mechanical design initiatives and introduce innovative materials, features, and product enhancements.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for the design teams, driving measurable improvement in design quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Oversee the design and development of mechanical assemblies, ensuring manufacturability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide direct, hands‑on technical support when needed — including concept development, modeling, and problem‑solving for complex design challenges.
• Apply deep understanding of metallurgy, polymers, and material properties to improve product performance, longevity, and thermal characteristics.
• Establish, update, and enforce design automation and process assurance systems to maintain consistency and reduce variability in mechanical design outputs.
• Review and approve detailed mechanical drawings, design calculations, and documentation for accuracy and compliance with internal and industry standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sourcing and Vendor Quality Assurance to qualify suppliers and evaluate materials or components for new or alternative sourcing.
• Participate in design reviews, non‑conformance investigations (NCRs), and root cause/corrective action efforts to resolve mechanical and manufacturing issues.
• Work closely with plant management and production teams to ensure mechanical designs support operational goals and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with Safety and Compliance functions to ensure adherence to industry, regulatory, and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, Master's degree in mechanical engineering preferred. PE is a plus.
• Minimum 15‑20 years of experience in thermo‑mechanical design of custom electromechanical equipment, with at least 5 years in a senior management or multi‑site leadership role.
• Proven background in metallurgy, polymers, material science, or industrial product design from manufacturing, energy, aerospace, rail, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of FEA/FEM analytical tools, CAD systems, and 3D design platforms (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated success leading engineering teams in a plant, multi‑plant or global manufacturing environment.

Skills & Attributes

• Expert‑level proficiency in CAD design practices, finite element modeling, and mechanical systems analysis.
• Deep technical understanding of materials, thermal performance, stress analysis, and mechanical reliability.
• Hands‑on problem solver with a proactive, floor‑level approach to engineering challenges.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, able to influence across engineering, operations, and executive leadership.
• Strong organizational ability to lead large engineering teams (100+ engineers) across multiple sites.
• Strategic mindset with operational discipline — balancing innovation with manufacturability and cost control.

Why Join Us

At Virginia Transformer, you'll have the opportunity to shape the mechanical engineering vision for North America's leading manufacturer of custom power transformers. This role combines hands‑on technical leadership with strategic influence, ensuring that innovation, reliability, and precision remain at the heart of every product we build.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Manufacturing and Engineering

Industries

• Manufacturing, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing, and Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution

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Inferred benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance

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