Director, Engineering Operations

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

Leading the Engineering department and reporting to the General Manager with a dotted line reporting to the VP, Engineering Operations, the Director, Engineering Operations manages and coordinates the work of the engineering team while providing leadership, support and focus while ensuring company goals are met.

• Plans and directs all aspects of engineering activities and projects within the company
• Provides expert technical guidance and hands-on support based on engineering best practices and methods
• Brings technical support to project management and help with customer interactions
• Directs, reviews and approves product designs and changes
• Identifies process optimizations as well as cost reduction opportunities in relation to engineering designs, drawings and technical documentation
• Ensures proper procedures required to mitigate risk of flaws in Engineering deliverables are in place and being executed
• Implements vision and maintains overall engineering objectives and initiatives
• Ensures conformance with organization's established policies and objectives
• Oversees and continuously improves a robust engineering process keeping projects on schedule and budget while ensuring conformance of deliverables to quality standards
• Responsible for generating and implementing recovery plans for past due engineering milestones to ensure test dates and contractual delivery requirements are maintained
• Prepares and maintains summary of overall engineering status for each project for weekly reporting

• Extensive knowledge of engineering theory and design criteria applicable to cryogenic systems and rotating machinery
• Extensive 3D CAD software experience; SolidWorks preferred
• EPDM experience; SolidWorks EPDM preferred
• Strong operational and practical skills in a production and engineering environment
• Creative but also disciplined to drive results and follow established fundamental processes
• Must possess a history of deep engineering knowledge and practical implementation as well as proven record of accomplishment for timely project delivery, project management, cost control and customer satisfaction
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and closely interface with Quality, Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations
• Demonstrated team building and leadership skills, ability to motivate and innovate
• Technical Program Management
• Knowledge of ISO standards and engineering related administrative and filing procedures

Required Experience and Education:

• M.Eng.  M.Sc.Eng. preferred.
• 8+ years in a progressively responsible leadership role in engineering field

Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated expertise in thermal dynamics, fluid dynamics, and material science as they relate to cryogenic environments.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to cryogenic fluids and industrial equipment.
• Strong technical background in cryogenic pumping systems, including principles of operation, design considerations, and performance characteristics.
• Expertise in utilizing engineering software and tools relevant to cryogenic pump design and analysis.

Work Environmental and Physical Demands:

• In order to perform the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Overtime may be necessary as the workload dictates. This may include week days, weekends, nights and/or holidays.
• Job will generally be performed in an office environment, but may require travel to a Client's office, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.
• Travel as required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, may be accepted.

Salary: $130,000 - $190,000 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.