What compensation range should we expect for a Director of Manufacturing Engineering in Tampa?

Current Tampa benchmarks for this role land in the $185K to $310K base + STI/LTI range, with the high end reserved for candidates with directly transferable scale experience and immediate availability. STI and LTI structures vary materially by ownership profile (public, PE-backed, founder-led).

Do you place candidates requiring relocation into Tampa?

Yes. Roughly 35 to 45% of senior Nexoval placements involve relocation. We pre-qualify relocation willingness, family considerations, and total comp impact (including the Florida tax position) before formally presenting a candidate.

How does Nexoval handle confidential or replacement searches?

Most senior mandates we run are confidential. We work under a partner-led engagement model with strict access controls. Incumbent identification is never disclosed and outreach is structured to protect the client's market position throughout the search.

What is the Nexoval Search Partners guarantee?

Every executive placement is backed by a structured replacement guarantee within the guarantee period of up to 180 days after the start date, subject to engagement terms. Our intent is to be measured on retention and impact, not first-day signature.

Director of Manufacturing Engineering Recruiters in Tampa,

The Tampa Advanced Manufacturing Market

Tampa's manufacturing and operations sector centers on food service operations management, distribution, and port logistics, with Tech Data's global technology distribution headquarters anchoring the market's industrial and logistics executive requirements.

About This Role

The Director of Manufacturing Engineering leads the team responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems that enable high-quality, low-cost, efficient manufacturing. This director drives process qualification, automation investment, and the translation of product designs into efficient, capable production processes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing engineering team responsible for process design, tooling, and production system development
Own manufacturing process qualification, PFMEA development, and control plan establishment for all products
Drive automation and robotics investments to reduce direct labor cost and improve process consistency
Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) activities in partnership with product engineering during development phases
Manage tooling engineering, fixture design, and special test equipment development
Oversee manufacturing process capability studies, gauge R&R, and statistical process control implementation
Lead manufacturing readiness reviews for new products and engineering change implementation
Drive cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and direct labor productivity programs
Develop and maintain work instruction and standard operating procedure documentation for all processes
Lead manufacturing engineering team development and build internal process engineering capability

Leading Employers in Tampa

The Advanced Manufacturing talent pool in Tampa is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:

MosaicTECO EnergyJabil

Required Experience & Background

12+ years in manufacturing engineering with 3+ years in director-level leadership
BS in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering required; MS preferred
Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma Black Belt credentials strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technology implementation
Expertise in DFM, FMEA, control plans, and APQP process qualification
Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools for tooling and fixture design

Core Leadership Competencies

Process Engineering Excellence: Deep expertise in manufacturing process development and optimization
Automation Leadership: Proven ability to evaluate and implement manufacturing automation to improve cost and quality
DFM Partnership: Skill in collaborating with product engineering to design products for efficient, high-quality manufacturing
Data-Driven Improvement: Use of capability data, SPC, and Six Sigma to drive systematic process improvement
Team Development: Ability to build high-performing manufacturing engineering teams

Regulatory & Compliance Context

Directors of Manufacturing Engineering must ensure process qualifications comply with applicable industry standards: AS9100/NADCAP for aerospace, IATF 16949 for automotive, FDA 21 CFR Part 820 for medical devices. Process FMEA and control plan requirements follow AIAG/VDA methodology. Workplace safety regulations under OSHA govern machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and hazardous energy control in manufacturing processes.

Compensation Benchmarks for Tampa, FL

Indicative range

$185K to $310K base + STI/LTI

Florida has no state individual income tax, a meaningful lever in attracting executives from CA, NY, IL, and the Northeast.

Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Tampa

Nexoval Search Partners' dedicated Advanced Manufacturing practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Tampa and the broader Florida market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and a shortlist in 3 to 4 weeks and typical completion in 60 to 90 days. Nexoval Search Partners' retained search model and up to 180-day replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Tampa, Florida delivers long-term organizational value.

Frequently Asked Questions

For roles of this profile, Nexoval typically presents a calibrated shortlist within 3 to 4 weeks of mandate confirmation. Typical completion takes 60 to 90 days depending on counter-offer dynamics and clearance / background verification timelines.

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