VP of Engineering (Manufacturing) Job at LHH in Washington DC

Role:

Vice President, Engineering (MANUFACTURING)

Position Overview:

The VP of Engineering is accountable for all engineering operations across a network of facilities. This includes maintaining operational uptime, ensuring regulatory compliance, and executing critical capital projects. This role requires a technically strong, strategically minded leader who can influence across functions and deliver results in a complex, distributed operating environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee engineering and maintenance operations for multiple facilities and assets, ensuring equipment reliability and system optimization.
• Direct and manage large-scale capital projects, including infrastructure upgrades, installation of new equipment, and major repairs.
• Provide leadership for advanced automation initiatives and facility modernization projects.
• Balance multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources effectively to meet deadlines and financial objectives.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and permitting requirements.
• Establish and oversee preventative maintenance programs, including ammonia refrigeration systems, freezers, power generation, and other critical utilities.
• Address and mitigate environmental and operational challenges such as corrosion and weather-related wear.
• Build a strong engineering team by setting strategic direction, developing talent pipelines, and providing training.
• Travel regularly (up to 50%) to plant locations and support offices to provide hands-on leadership and oversight.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
• 12+ years of experience leading engineering operations within manufacturing or industrial environments, ideally in food production or related industries.
• Strong expertise in ammonia refrigeration, utilities, power generation, boilers, automation systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record managing capital projects
• Experience leading multi-site engineering teams and driving alignment across a dispersed workforce.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel 40–50%, including to remote locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering or business administration.
• Experience in protein production, seafood processing, or maritime operations.
• Familiarity with corrosion prevention and maintenance practices for marine environments.

Location:

Seattle, WA

Travel:

Up to 50% to sites (accommodations provided where applicable).

Compensation:

$230,000 – $280,000 annual salary (exempt position) + Bonus

Benefits:

• Personal Time Off (PTO) is offered on an accrual basis up to 160 hours a year, 9 Paid Holidays, and up to 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave (Washington State). PTO and holiday hours are prorated based on hire date within the calendar year.
• Paid Sick Leave where applicable by State law
• Benefit offerings for full-time employment include medical, dental, vision, term life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, and a 401k plan or a non-qualified deferred compensation plan
• Annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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