ME Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ME Design Director

Company: Celestica International LP

Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Technology Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-29

Experience Level: 15+ Years Experience (Senior Director Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a market-leading Switching Network Hardware Design Group, overseeing all aspects of hardware product development and system integration.

• Drive innovation in hardware product definitions, updates, and sustaining engineering by collaborating closely with Product Marketing, Procurement, and Software teams.

• Establish and execute rigorous testing routines, manage project plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure efficient and timely delivery of complex hardware platforms.

• Act as a key technical consultant and leader, providing solutions to complex engineering challenges and guiding a team of specialized engineering experts.

• Engage directly with customers and suppliers to align product roadmaps and provide essential technical support, ensuring customer satisfaction and strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a Senior Director level, indicating significant leadership responsibilities and strategic influence within Celestica's hardware development operations. The emphasis on "Common Services" and managing a "market leading Switching Network Hardware Design Group" suggests a critical function for Celestica's data center, AI, and cloud infrastructure offerings.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineering experts in mechanical, thermal, EMC, and CAD disciplines to deliver high-quality hardware solutions.

• Develop and implement innovative engineering strategies and operational policies that drive efficiency and technological advancement within the design group.

• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from initial research and evaluation of new processes and methods to the development, validation, qualification, and fabrication of complex hardware platforms.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with Product Marketing, Procurement, and Software teams to ensure product definitions align with market needs and business objectives.

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers and suppliers, discussing product roadmaps, technical requirements, and providing critical support.

• Establish and execute comprehensive testing routines, develop detailed project plans, manage budgets, and track schedules to ensure project success and on-time delivery.

• Ensure adherence to industry standards, safety regulations, and quality standards throughout the design and development process.

• Mentor and develop team members, providing challenging assignments and tracking progress towards career development and project goals.

• Contribute to corporate strategy development by advocating for relevant programs and projects within the technical domain.

• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating and applying new processes and methods in product development and sustaining activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of deep technical expertise in hardware engineering and strong leadership capabilities. The emphasis on "unusually complex and sensitive problems" and "ingenuity and creativity" points to a role that requires significant problem-solving skills and strategic thinking beyond standard operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field). Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Hardware Product Development, with a significant focus on areas such as Mechanical Design, Thermal Design, EMC, and CAD.

• A minimum of 4 years of direct managerial or leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and direct a workgroup effectively.

• Proven track record of successfully bringing complex hardware products to market. Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of hardware development principles and all associated aspects.

• Expertise in mechanical, thermal, EMC, and CAD engineering concepts and applications.

• Strong knowledge of industry standards, safety regulations, and quality standards relevant to hardware manufacturing and development.

• Proven ability to manage engineering experts and guide technical decision-making.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in hardware systems environments and a detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Customer focus with the ability to engage effectively with clients and suppliers.

• Adaptability to change in a dynamic technological environment.

• Experience in project planning, budgeting, and schedule management. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with switching network hardware design and related technologies.

• Familiarity with AI, cloud computing, and data center infrastructure requirements.

• Knowledge of supply chain management, design validation, qualification, and fabrication processes for complex hardware platforms.

• Experience in corporate strategy development and advocacy for technical programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 15+ years of experience and 4+ years of management experience clearly positions this as a senior leadership role, demanding seasoned expertise and proven leadership capabilities in hardware engineering and product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successfully leading the design and development of complex hardware products, showcasing innovative solutions and technical leadership.

• Provide case studies of projects where you managed the end-to-end product lifecycle, including research, development, testing, validation, and fabrication.

• Showcase examples of effective cross-functional collaboration with Product Marketing, Procurement, and Software teams to define and deliver products.

• Present evidence of managing project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively, highlighting successful outcomes and efficient resource allocation.

• Include documentation or examples of established testing routines and quality assurance processes implemented under your leadership. Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodology for developing and implementing new engineering processes and methods within a design group.

• Illustrate your approach to establishing and conducting rigorous testing routines for hardware products.

• Provide examples of how you have developed or executed project plans, including scope definition, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

• Showcase your ability to document work and test results comprehensively, ensuring clarity and accuracy for internal teams and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior leadership nature of this role, a portfolio demonstrating strategic process development, effective team leadership, and successful product lifecycle management is crucial. The expectation is to see evidence of innovation, problem-solving, and the ability to drive complex engineering initiatives to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Director roles in Taipei, Taiwan, with 15+ years of experience in hardware engineering and management, the estimated annual salary range is NT$2,500,000 - NT$4,000,000 (New Taiwan Dollars). This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the overall compensation structure of Celestica. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and customer demands, potentially involving occasional overtime or adjusted schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on typical compensation for Senior Director level engineering roles in Taipei, Taiwan, considering the extensive experience and leadership requirements. Benefits packages in multinational technology companies like Celestica are generally competitive and comprehensive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Manufacturing, Design Services, Data Center Infrastructure, AI, Cloud Solutions. Celestica operates at the intersection of advanced technology manufacturing and critical infrastructure solutions, serving high-growth markets that demand innovation and reliability.

Company Size: Celestica is a large, global organization. The company's scale implies robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact. For operations professionals, this means navigating established systems while also having the potential to influence and optimize them.

Founded: Celestica was founded in 1994. This history suggests a company with established market presence, deep industry experience, and a proven ability to adapt to technological shifts and market demands over decades.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a specialized "Switching Network Hardware Design Group," indicating a dedicated team focused on a critical product area.

• This group likely comprises various engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Thermal, EMC, CAD) and potentially project management or technical support functions.

• The structure suggests a reporting line upwards to higher-level engineering or operations leadership within Celestica's Asia operations or global engineering division.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Marketing, Procurement, and Software teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated functional structure. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on research, evaluation, and application of new processes and methods points to a data-informed approach to development and problem-solving.

• Agile Development Principles: While not explicitly stated, the need to manage project plans, budgets, and schedules, and to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, suggests an adoption of agile or iterative development methodologies.

• Customer-Centric Innovation: Engaging with customers and suppliers on product roadmaps indicates a focus on understanding market needs and driving innovation to meet them.

• Quality and Compliance: A strong emphasis on industry, safety, and quality standards highlights a commitment to robust engineering practices and regulatory adherence.

Company Website: https://www.celestica.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Celestica's description positions it as a technology leader focused on enabling critical infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hybrid cloud. This implies a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where engineering excellence and robust operational processes are paramount. The company's dual operating segments (ATS and CCS) suggest diverse engineering challenges and opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Senior Director level, signifying a significant leadership position responsible for a critical engineering function. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and substantial influence on product development and company direction within its domain.

Reporting Structure: The ME Design Director will likely report to a VP of Engineering, CTO, or a senior executive overseeing hardware development or a specific business unit (e.g., Connectivity and Cloud Solutions - CCS). They will manage a team of engineering managers and individual contributors.

Operations Impact: The director's impact is substantial, directly influencing the quality, innovation, and time-to-market of Celestica's switching network hardware, which is foundational for AI, cloud, and data center solutions. Effective leadership here drives competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into higher executive roles overseeing broader engineering functions, multiple business units, or global operations.

• Specialized Technical Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in cutting-edge hardware technologies, AI infrastructure, or advanced manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Development: Potential to transition into roles with broader responsibility across R&D, product management, or supply chain operations.

• Mentorship and Talent Development: Opportunities to build and shape high-performing engineering teams, fostering the next generation of technical leaders.

• Industry Influence: Potential to represent Celestica at industry conferences, contribute to standard-setting bodies, and shape industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior Director, this role is a critical node for career progression. The emphasis on innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic contribution offers clear pathways for advancement within Celestica or into similar senior leadership positions across the technology sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position in Taipei, Taiwan. The environment is expected to be a professional office setting within Celestica's facilities, designed to support engineering and management activities.

Office Location(s): Taipei, Taiwan. This location is a major technology hub in Asia, offering access to a skilled talent pool and a robust industrial ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams (Product Marketing, Procurement, Software) and external partners (customers, suppliers), suggesting an open and interactive workspace design.

• Access to Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to advanced engineering software (CAD, simulation tools), testing equipment, and communication platforms necessary for hardware design and development.

• Team Interaction: The role involves leading a team, necessitating opportunities for regular team meetings, one-on-one discussions, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, given the leadership responsibilities and the nature of product development in the tech industry, flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, customer engagements, or urgent issues. This might include occasional work outside of standard hours or on weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Taipei suggests a hands-on leadership role within a dynamic engineering hub. The workspace will likely be equipped to support complex technical work and facilitate strong cross-functional and customer engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications, focusing on experience level, leadership qualifications, and technical background.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager (likely a VP of Engineering or similar) to assess technical depth, leadership style, and alignment with team needs.

• Technical Panel Interview: A series of interviews with key engineering experts and stakeholders from Product Marketing, Procurement, and Software teams to evaluate technical acumen, problem-solving abilities, and cross-functional collaboration potential.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present a selection of their most impactful projects, showcasing leadership, technical solutions, process improvements, and business results.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, driving strategy, and making critical decisions. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss complex technical challenges, your innovative solutions, and the engineering principles applied. Focus on Mechanical, Thermal, EMC, and CAD expertise.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Present examples of how you've developed, improved, or implemented engineering processes, testing routines, and project management methodologies.

• Quantify Business Results: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work on product time-to-market, cost reduction, quality improvement, and customer satisfaction. Focus on ROI.

• Tailor to Celestica: Research Celestica's products, markets (AI, Cloud, Data Center), and values. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would handle hypothetical complex engineering or leadership challenges relevant to hardware development, team management, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Strategic Thinking Exercises: Prepare to articulate your vision for a hardware design group, how you would foster innovation, and how you would align engineering efforts with business objectives.

• Process Improvement Case Study: You may be asked to analyze a common engineering process challenge and propose a data-driven solution, outlining implementation steps and expected outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role, serving as concrete evidence of your leadership capabilities, technical expertise, and ability to drive results in complex hardware development environments. Expect a multi-stage interview process designed to assess all facets of your professional profile.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools for mechanical design (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo) and potentially ECAD for schematic/PCB layout integration.

• Simulation & Analysis Tools: Experience with thermal analysis (e.g., ANSYS Icepak, FloTHERM), mechanical stress/vibration analysis (e.g., ANSYS Mechanical), and EMC simulation tools.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or similar for planning, tracking, and managing complex engineering projects and workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or enterprise equivalents for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools that can process and analyze engineering data, test results, and performance metrics. This might include advanced Excel, Python with data libraries (Pandas, NumPy), or specialized engineering data analysis software.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards for project status, team performance, and key engineering metrics, potentially using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal Celestica reporting systems.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill) for managing product data, revisions, and workflows.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP) for understanding the broader impact of design decisions on procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain.

• Automation Tools: While less direct for this role, an understanding of how automation impacts design processes (e.g., automated testing, design rule checks) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in advanced CAD, simulation, and project management tools is critical. An understanding of PLM and ERP systems demonstrates a broader appreciation for how engineering design integrates with the company's overall operational ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push technological boundaries, develop cutting-edge solutions, and maintain the highest standards of engineering quality.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and departments to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual support and shared success.

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring that products and services deliver exceptional value and drive customer success.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of responsibilities, from individual tasks to team and project outcomes.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: A dedication to optimizing processes, reducing waste, and constantly seeking better ways to operate and deliver results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the ME Design Director and their team work closely with Product Marketing, Procurement, Software Engineering, and potentially Sales and Customer Support to ensure holistic product development.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of ideas to drive innovation and resolve challenges effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of technical expertise, best practices, and lessons learned across the engineering teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Celestica's emphasis on "customer success and market advancements" suggests a culture that values both innovation and strong client relationships. The mention of "teamwork and commitment" indicates a collaborative spirit essential for managing complex, cross-functional projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the accelerating advancements in AI, cloud computing, and networking hardware requires continuous learning and adaptation of design methodologies.

• Complex Global Supply Chains: Managing the design, validation, qualification, and fabrication of hardware platforms involves navigating intricate global supply chains, potential disruptions, and supplier relationships.

• Balancing Innovation and Execution: The need to drive innovative solutions while adhering to strict project timelines, budgets, and quality standards presents a constant balancing act.

• Leading Diverse Expertise: Effectively managing and integrating the diverse skill sets and perspectives of specialized engineering experts (mechanical, thermal, EMC, CAD) requires strong leadership and communication.

• Customer and Supplier Alignment: Ensuring alignment on technical requirements, roadmaps, and expectations with both demanding customers and diverse suppliers can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Training: Access to training on emerging technologies in AI hardware, high-speed networking, advanced materials, and simulation techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance strategic leadership, financial acumen, and people management skills through internal or external programs.

• Industry Conferences and Forums: Participation in leading industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, network with peers, and represent Celestica.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into other areas of the business, such as product marketing, supply chain, and manufacturing operations.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within Celestica for guidance and career development advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent to leading advanced technology development, but these are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities. The emphasis on continuous learning and leadership development is key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you establish and maintain a culture of innovation within a hardware design team focused on AI and cloud infrastructure?"

• "Describe a time you had to resolve a significant technical conflict between different engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical vs. thermal). What was your approach and the outcome?"

• "Outline your strategy for ensuring that new product designs meet stringent safety, quality, and EMC standards while also being cost-effective and time-to-market."

• "How do you prioritize competing demands from Product Marketing, Procurement, and direct customer requests when managing a hardware development roadmap?"

• "What key metrics would you track to measure the success and efficiency of your hardware design group, and how would you report these to senior leadership?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Celestica, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for our Switching Network Hardware Design Group?"

• "How do you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within your team and with other departments like Software and Procurement?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop engineering talent."

• "How do you ensure your team remains adaptable and responsive to changing market demands and technological advancements?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., % reduction in thermal issues, % improvement in design cycle time, successful product launch metrics).

• Highlight Leadership and Technical Depth: Explicitly state your leadership contributions and be prepared to deep-dive into the technical aspects of your projects. Show, don't just tell.

• Visualize Your Impact: Use diagrams, charts, or relevant visuals to illustrate complex designs, process flows, or performance data.

• Connect to Celestica's Goals: Frame your experiences in the context of Celestica's focus on AI, cloud, data center infrastructure, and customer success.

• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within the allotted time, and clearly communicates your value proposition. Anticipate questions and prepare concise answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a strong understanding of Celestica's business and market landscape. Your portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these elements concretely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this ME Design Director position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Celestica careers portal and submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 15+ years of hardware product development experience, 4+ years of management experience, and specific expertise in mechanical, thermal, EMC, and CAD design. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with data.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that showcase leadership, technical innovation, process optimization, and successful product launches. Be ready to present these effectively, focusing on quantifiable results and alignment with Celestica's strategic goals.

• Research Celestica: Thoroughly understand Celestica's business segments (ATS, CCS), key markets (AI, Cloud, Data Center), recent news, and company values. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and technological focus.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions by reviewing common interview themes for senior leadership roles in technology. Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, problem-solving approaches, and strategic vision.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.