Job Details

Title: VP Engineering

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Head of ASSA ABLOY Fenestration

Location: Rochester, NY; Williamsport, MD; or Reno, NV

Classification: Exempt

Device User: Yes

Position Summary

The Vice President of Engineering will lead the strategic and operational direction of engineering across our fenestration business, encompassing both manufacturing and distribution. This role is central to driving innovation, accelerating new product development (NPD), and delivering application-driven solutions that meet evolving customer needs. The VP will champion a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure our products remain at the forefront of performance, quality, and market relevance.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Innovation & Product Development

• Drive innovation by generating new product concepts and engineering solutions that align with market trends and customer demands.
• Lead short-cycle engineering projects to support rapid prototyping and agile NPD initiatives.
• Oversee the design and development of product revisions to enhance performance, fitment, and differentiation.

Engineering Leadership & Process Excellence

• Manage NPD and application engineering teams to ensure fast, effective delivery of solutions and speed to market.
• Implement and maintain lean innovation processes to streamline development and reduce time-to-value.
• Develop and enforce engineering standards, procedures, and quality benchmarks across all product lines.

Testing, Certification & Compliance

• Oversee in-house and third-party product testing, including certification processes and customer-specific applications.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead product failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective action planning.

Value Engineering & Optimization

• Drive VA/VE initiatives across new and mature products to enhance cost efficiency and product performance.
• Conduct regular product council meetings and cross-functional reviews to align engineering with business goals.

Industry Engagement & Collaboration

• Represent the company in industry associations (e.g., FIGA), contributing to standards development and market intelligence.
• Coordinate with global engineering teams (e.g., Guli) to align technical strategies and leverage shared capabilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with direct customers (window & door manufacturers), indirect customers (profile extruders), and vendors.

Strategic Oversight & Team Development

• Hire, mentor, and develop engineering talent to support department goals and succession planning.
• Manage engineering budgets, intellectual property, and trademark portfolios.
• Monitor competitor activity through patent filings, trade shows, and industry networking.
• Provide backup support for product management and technical field issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum 15 years of engineering leadership experience in the fenestration or building products industry.
• Proven track record in product development, innovation, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Strong knowledge of North American window and door hardware standards and market dynamics.
• Technical degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field); advanced degree preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD, FEA, and MS Office; familiarity with ERP and PLM systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills.
• High level of commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

What We Offer

• A leadership role in a dynamic, innovation-driven organization.
• Opportunity to shape the future of fenestration technology.
• Collaborative culture with global reach and local impact

ASSA ABLOY Fenestration, LLC. is committed to the policy of Equal Employment Opportunity. This policy expressly prohibits discrimination on the bases of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.