VP of Operations & Engineering
Company: Kistler Instrument Corp.
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: January 17, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Join Kistler – A Global Leader
in Measurement Technology! At Kistler , we’re revolutionizing
industries with our cutting-edge dynamic measurement technology,
helping customers optimize products and processes. From automobile
development to smart factories, our Swiss-designed sensor solutions
are driving the future of electrified drive technology, industrial
automation, and emission reduction. Purpose of the Position We are
seeking a Vice President of Operations and Engineering to lead our
North American production, engineering, and logistics footprint.
This leader will drive our localization strategy, concentrating
manufacturing and engineering to serve our key regional focus
markets, which include MedTech, Aerospace and Defense,
Infrastructure, and Automotive Production. The role will build
operational excellence across our footprint, deliver strong
connection to customers, and ensure scalable capacity as the market
grows. Main Tasks Lead the implementation of the localization
strategy, focusing production and engineering for North American
focus markets. Oversee Operations, including logistics, planning,
purchasing, assembly and the machine shop. Provide strategic and
operational leadership for Engineering, including Custom Product
Engineering, Application Engineering, and R&D interfaces.
Ensure organizational structure, processes, and capabilities are in
place to support full lifecycle engineering from requirements
gathering and feasibility analysis to design, validation, release,
and production ramp-up. Take ownership for the Custom Product
Engineering organization, including technical content
responsibility, decision authority on engineering concepts, and
overall delivery quality. Lead Quality Management and Assurance as
part of Operations, including compliance systems, audits, and
continuous improvement. Ensure adherence to AS9100D, ISO 9001, and
ISO 17025. Manage production and engineering KPIs, such as
productive hours, delivery reliability, throughput, scrap rate, and
on-time launch of development and improvement projects. Establish
performance dashboards and drive data-based decisions using
Celonis, Power BI, and other analytics tools. Provide strong,
presence-based leadership at the Amherst site, fostering a culture
of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate closely with Sales Directors and the General Manager to
maintain proximity to customers and align operations with
commercial priorities. Represent Operations and Engineering during
customer meetings, audits, and site visits. Develop and manage
capital investment plans for production assets, engineering
equipment, and process capabilities. Maintain functional alignment
with corporate platform leaders in Engineering and Production.
Ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration between Engineering,
Production, Sales, Quality, and Product Management to enable
customer-centric, technically sound solutions. Lead and develop
teams in accordance with Kistler leadership principles, ensuring
talent development, succession planning, and retention.
Requirements Profile Experienced Operations and Engineering leader
with a successful track record in complex industrial or
high-precision environments. Twelve or more years of progressive
leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, or engineering;
experience in MedTech, Aerospace and Defense, Infrastructure, or
Automotive Production is highly valued. Proven leadership of
engineering organizations, including responsibility for product
engineering, design, customization, and technical decision-making.
Hands-on leadership style, comfortable engaging directly with teams
on the shop floor, in labs, and across operations. Strong
understanding of ERP and manufacturing execution systems; SAP
experience strongly preferred. Skilled in lean manufacturing,
digital operations, capacity planning, and cross-functional
coordination. Demonstrated success in budget management, capital
investment planning, and asset utilization. Excellent
communication, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making skills.
Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Willingness to travel occasionally to Novi, MI, and other sites.
Why Kistler? At Kistler, we value your expertise and offer
opportunities for professional growth in a global environment. Our
competitive benefits package includes: Medical, dental, vision,
life, and disability coverage 401(k) plan with a 4% company match
Generous personal and vacation time Join a team that’s shaping the
future of measurement technology. We look forward to meeting you!
Kistler Instrument Corporation is an Equal Opportunity
Employer.
Keywords: Kistler Instrument Corp., Tonawanda , VP of Operations & Engineering, Engineering , Buffalo, New York
