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Virginia Transformer Corp

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Virginia Transformer Corp, Roanoke, Virginia, United States, 24000

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Join a Company Built to Grow – Powered by People 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

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Virginia Transformer Corp by 2x

Inferred benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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