At Quaker Houghton, we make the essentials of everyday life possible and enable innovative approaches for a positive future. Our customers include the world’s most advanced and specialized automotive, steel, aluminum, aerospace, offshore, can and mining companies. Based in every corner of the world, our people are passionate about what we do.
About The Job
As the Global Director Engineering, a senior leadership role responsible Engineer Center of Excellence. This position integrates technical insight, strategic leadership, and operational management to drive innovation and align global engineering initiatives with corporate objectives. The role demands stewardship of complex engineering systems, adherence to regulatory standards, and cultivation of a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Global Engineering Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive global engineering strategy that supports business growth, product development, and operational efficiency in multiple regions.
- Leadership and Team Development: Lead and mentor regional engineering teams, project managers, and technical specialists. Foster cross-functional collaboration, talent development, and knowledge sharing.
- Project Portfolio Oversight: Oversee major engineering programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and compliance standards.
- Process Excellence: Standardize engineering processes, tools, and best practices across the network with a focus on key platforms. Platforms include esterification optimization, system standardization (PCL, MES), and other critical elements drive continuous improvements to better serve our customers.
- Innovation and Technical Guidance: Advise on complex engineering problems, emerging technologies, and new methodologies. Guide R&D and technical implementation to optimize chemical processes and product performance.
- Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management: Ensure global adherence to environmental, health, safety, and regulatory standards. Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies for engineering operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with executive leadership, manufacturing, supply chain, and product teams to align engineering activities with corporate objectives, market demands, and customer needs.
- Resource and Budget Management: Manage the capital project process which includes all functions. Building a multi-year capital plan for critical platforms.
What do we offer?
- Remote working arrangement for better work-life balance
- Health insurance, pension plan and additional benefits
- Holiday buy/sell program
- 2 annual days of paid volunteering leave
- QH University: continuous learning and leadership development opportunities
- Strong focus on wellbeing, mental health, inclusion & DEI
What are we looking for?
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or relevant Engineering field; advanced degrees (MS, MBA, or PhD) preferred. Professional licensing (PE or equivalent) a plus.
- Experience: Minimum 10–15 years of engineering leadership experience in the chemical industry or analogous sectors, including managing multi-site or international teams.
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of chemical engineering processes, plant operations, process scale-up, and production technologies. Familiarity with automation, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to develop high-performing teams, provide mentorship, and drive organizational transformation.
- Project Management: Experience managing large-scale, cross-border projects with complex technical and regulatory requirements.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Skilled at interpreting technical data, troubleshooting, and making data-driven decisions.
- Global Perspective: Experience navigating cross-cultural teams, international regulations, and diverse operational environments.
Location
This position will be based on the corporate head quarters in Conshohocken.
Conclusion
The Global Engineering Director plays a strategic and operationally critical role within a specialized chemical company, combining technical mastery, leadership acumen, and global businesinsight to drive successful engineering outcomes and foster organizational excellence.
About Us
At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.
What's in it for you
Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory
Paid time off for volunteerism
Dress for your day; how you dress is determined by what your day may bring
Opportunity to participate in comprehensive benefit options including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Parental Leave, Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and Savings Plan
Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry
Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities.