Director of Design Engineering

Global Director of Design EngineeringMedical & Bioprocessing Manufacturer A growing global manufacturer serving the bioprocessing and life sciences industries is seeking a hands-on Global Director of Design Engineering to lead a highly collaborative engineering organization responsible for configurable single-use systems and custom engineered assemblies used in critical biotech and pharmaceutical applications.This is not a traditional “sit behind a desk and manage CAD” leadership role.This position leads the engineering function responsible for translating customer requirements into manufacturable products through intelligent design, configuration management, CAD systems, BOM architecture, tooling oversight, and cross-functional execution with manufacturing, quality, operations, and customers.The environment is highly customized and fast-paced. Products are built-to-order using a large library of engineered components that are configured into customer-specific assemblies and systems. Success in this role requires strong technical depth, operational leadership, customer communication skills, and the ability to lead engineering teams in a high-mix regulated manufacturing environment.The primary site is located in Camarillo, CA, with additional global engineering support responsibilities for a smaller UK-based operation.What You’ll Be Responsible ForLead the global design engineering organization responsible for CAD, drafting, BOM development, engineering data integrity, and design executionDrive engineering throughput, accuracy, turnaround time, and design quality in a high-mix configurable product environmentManage and improve global CAD standards, design libraries, templates, workflows, and engineering systemsOversee product configuration management, engineering change control, and design documentation processesPartner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure designs translate effectively into productionSupport Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and Design to Cost initiativesProvide technical leadership on customer-specific product configurations, component selection, and engineering problem solvingParticipate in customer-facing technical discussions involving design intent, product functionality, troubleshooting, and issue resolutionLead and mentor a team of engineers, designers, drafters, and BOM specialistsOversee plastic component and tooling design activities including injection molded components and related fabrication supportHelp drive engineering process improvements, prioritization systems, and operational execution across global teamsWhat We’re Looking ForBachelor’s degree in Engineering required10+ years of engineering experience within regulated manufacturing environments5+ years leading engineering teams in a manufacturing environmentStrong hands-on SolidWorks experience (3D and 2D CAD)Deep understanding of configurable engineered products, BOM structures, and change managementExperience with injection molded plastic components and toolingStrong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and manufacturing collaborationExperience working in medical device, biotech, single-use consumables, fluid handling, or similarly regulated industries strongly preferredComfortable working in fast-paced, customer-driven environments with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projectsStrong communication and customer-facing technical leadership abilitiesExperience with ERP/PDM systems and engineering data managementAbility to balance technical detail, operational urgency, and team leadershipWhy This Role Is DifferentThis is a highly visible leadership role at the center of product execution, customer interaction, and manufacturing collaboration.The right person will enjoy:Solving real engineering problemsWorking closely with products and manufacturing teamsLeading technical teams in a highly collaborative environmentBalancing customer needs with engineering and operational realitiesDriving execution in a configurable product business rather than a repetitive commodity manufacturing environmentThis is an on-site leadership role based in Camarillo, CA. Limited global travel (~5%).