Head of Engineering

Chief Engineer (Head of Engineering) – Heavy-Duty Manufacturing

Location: Grand Haven, Michigan

Salary: Up to $150,000 + 10–15% Annual Bonus

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent | Onsite

Lead Engineering Innovation. Develop Exceptional Teams. Make a Real Impact.

Are you an experienced engineering leader who thrives on developing talented teams, solving complex technical challenges, and bringing innovative mechanical products to life?

Do you enjoy being hands-on with engineering, driving product development, and having the autonomy to make meaningful decisions?

We're partnering with a leading global manufacturer operating within the heavy-duty manufacturing sector to recruit an accomplished Chief Engineer (Head of Engineering) for their facility in Grand Haven, Michigan.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead an established, multi-site engineering function, influence future product development, and play a pivotal role in shaping the technical direction of a globally recognized manufacturing organization.

Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, you'll have significant responsibility for engineering leadership, technical excellence, and the continued development of a high-performing team.

The Opportunity

As Chief Engineer, you'll oversee an established engineering organization spanning Michigan and Tennessee, with responsibility for mechanical design, product development, technical performance, and engineering excellence.

This is a highly visible leadership position combining strategic direction with hands-on technical involvement. We're looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, supporting their engineers, and taking ownership of complex engineering challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-site engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership across mechanical design, product engineering, and technical development activities.
• Oversee complex mechanical product development projects from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, validation, and production.
• Drive engineering innovation, product improvements, and technical problem-solving.
• Collaborate closely with mechatronics, testing, manufacturing, quality, and product management teams.
• Oversee engineering design reviews, technical specifications, and product performance requirements.
• Ensure products meet demanding standards for safety, durability, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Support engineering change management, product lifecycle management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop engineering talent through coaching, mentoring, and effective team leadership.
• Work closely with senior management to establish engineering priorities and support long-term technical objectives.

What We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in experienced Engineering Managers, Senior Engineering Managers, Heads of Engineering, Engineering Directors, and Chief Engineers who combine strong technical expertise with proven people leadership.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in mechanical design, product engineering, or product development.
• Proven experience leading, developing, and managing engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, complex assemblies, manufacturing processes, and engineering design principles.
• Demonstrated experience delivering engineering projects from concept through testing, validation, and production.
• Strong technical problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Comfortable operating within a lean engineering environment where flexibility, accountability, and a hands-on leadership approach are essential.

Highly Desirable Experience:

• Heavy-duty manufacturing and engineered mechanical products.
• Commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or transportation-related manufacturing.
• Construction, agricultural, mining, or off-highway equipment.
• Industrial machinery and complex mechanical systems.
• Mechanical fatigue analysis, durability testing, and product validation.
• Electromechanical systems, mechatronics, and motor/gearbox applications.
• FEA, CAE, and engineering simulation tools.
• Product lifecycle management and design for manufacturability.

Candidates from automotive manufacturing will also be considered, particularly those who have demonstrated the ability to lead versatile engineering teams and operate effectively in less specialized environments.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive Base Salary: Up to $150,000, depending on experience.
• Annual Performance Bonus: 10–15%.
• Relocation Assistance: Available for candidates considering a move to Michigan.
• Senior Leadership Exposure: Report directly to the VP of Engineering.
• Engineering Ownership: Lead an established, multi-site engineering organization.
• Technical Influence: Shape engineering decisions, product development, and technical priorities.
• Career Opportunity: Join an established global manufacturer where your leadership and expertise can make a lasting impact.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than simply managing an engineering department.

It's an opportunity to take ownership of a technically challenging engineering function, lead talented professionals, and influence the development of products used in demanding industrial environments.

You'll be joining an organization that values practical engineering expertise, strong leadership, collaboration, and individuals who are willing to take responsibility and make things happen.

If you're an experienced engineering leader who enjoys combining people management, technical problem-solving, and product innovation, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

Let's Talk!

Whether you're actively considering a career move or simply open to hearing about an interesting opportunity, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.

To apply, please send your latest resume, along with your current salary and salary expectations, to:

Matt Reynolds

Recruitment Director | Willcox Matthews

All inquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.