Sonnax Career Opportunities

Enjoy a rewarding career and relaxing quality of life in beautiful Southern Vermont.

Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont and recipient of the Governor's Worksite Wellness Award, Sonnax is a leading supplier to the automotive aftermarket. We design, manufacture, test and distribute a wide variety of innovative, high quality products used to remanufacture torque converters, rebuild automatic transmissions, upgrade driveshafts and protect the driveline from over-torque damage.

Sonnax is one of the fastest growing companies in the state of Vermont. Our name has become synonymous with exceptional service, cutting-edge designs, technical knowledge and customer dedication. Join an exciting front-line team focused on developing and delivering the best products in the industry, a team whose imagination, hard work and results are rewarded.

This position is currently closed.

Vice President of Engineering

Sonnax Industries has had tremendous growth over the last decade to become a leading supplier to the powertrain automotive aftermarket. Six years ago, the company transitioned into an employee-owned (ESOP) ownership structure. Continued growth and complexity in our industry have led us to recognize the need to bring in a new experience in engineering leadership. Sonnax’s tradition of innovative products is well known and an important part of our brand.

The Vice President of Engineering opening is an opportunity for an experienced engineering leader who successfully builds teams and executes at high levels in product development. We seek a leader with growth potential who is collaborative, and comfortable, in both technical and business conversations. This opening is a result of internal restructuring and will report to the CEO and manage the Engineering Teams.

The ideal candidate should be able to think and implement at both a strategic and a tactical level. Successful experience in at least two companies implementing and developing high performance engineering teams is essential.

This position is located in Vermont at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters and Technical Center.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Vice President of Engineering will have the breadth of experience to manage new product and process development, technology planning, and organizational development.  The VP will ensure that Sonnax is the leading supplier of innovative drivetrain components to the automotive aftermarket by delivering quality solutions that serve customer needs realized through excellence in engineering execution. The VP will work collaboratively with commercial, operational, and support functions to develop products and optimize process efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, assure that key objectives for quality and continuous improvement are achieved by instilling a sense of urgency through hands-on engagement and positive reinforcement to deliver the highest quality products to the market on time.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Build, develop, and lead Engineering organization in support of company’s mission and goals with product development initiatives.
  • Create a technical vision and technology roadmap for the company and plans for implementation of new technical advancements in projects or product lines.
  • Develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for engineering and technical work performed in the department. 
  • Lead efforts to implement use of Quality, Continuous Improvement and problem solving tools and efficiency improvements to existing processes. 
  • Work closely with Technical Support, Marketing, Sales, Operations and Product Portfolio Management team in the development, sourcing and launch of new products and programs.
  • Review New Product Introduction plans and budgets to manage resource allocation, assess project time frame and funding limitations, and determine methods and procedures for on time and on budget completion.
  • Provide technical expertise and oversight to all ongoing product development projects, conduct technical reviews and oversee product qualification/certifications.
  • Ensure current and accurate costing in conjunction with engineering and finance. 
  • Represent the organization with major customers and suppliers, as needed.
  • Participate on the company’s leadership team to establish current and long range objectives, plans, and policies for the business through annual strategic planning process.
  • Lead Engineering teams in organizational transformations and employee development initiatives.
  • Create and facilitate a professional engineering environment.
  • Ensure product design, manufacturability and support of internal and external suppliers.
  • Formulate and maintain quality control objectives complementary to corporate policies and goals. 
  • Assure compliance to ISO standards and facility compliance Safety Regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS Engineering (MS preferred), in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • MBA degree is a plus.
  • A minimum of 15 years engineering experience with 7-10 years in a senior engineering management role with progressively increasing levels of responsibility including:
    • Experience leading engineering efforts from the development plan phase through the product launch phase with a successful track record with respect to cost, schedule, technical achievement, and risk identification and adherence to best engineering practices.
    • Demonstrated success in leading engineering development teams on numerous successful projects and proposals.
    • Expertise in program management and resource allocation.
    • Expertise in working with internal and external customers to define and document requirements, make presentations, address technical concerns, and provide project status.
  • Manufacturing and Automotive experience highly preferred.
  • Collaborative co-worker, able to build partnerships to advance objectives.
  • Effective and compelling communication skills in both one on one and team settings.
  • Experienced in facilitating functional change programs in sustainable manner.
  • Highly self-motivated with a strong bias for action and excellent problem solving skills.
  • Experience with and ability to drive continuous improvement. 
  • Personal credibility and accountability.
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With Sonnax you will enjoy outstanding benefits including:

  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Group life/supplemental insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid holidays/vacation/personal days
  • Wellness program offerings
  • In-house gym
  • Tuition reimbursement and more!

If you are interested in a career with Sonnax, please send your resume and cover letter to:

Sonnax Transmission Company, Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
2 Imtec Lane
P.0. Box 440
Bellows Falls, VT 05101-0440, USA
Fax: (802) 428-1830
Email: [email protected]