The 2025 Hiring Market for VP and Higher Roles in Product Design Engineering and Manufacturing

As we step into Q2 of 2025, the hiring market for VP and higher roles in product design engineering and manufacturing industries is showing both opportunity and strain for small and mid-sized companies. At The Method Solutions, we’ve analyzed current trends to help leaders in these sectors navigate the competitive landscape and secure the strategic talent needed to drive innovation and operational excellence.

The manufacturing sector is experiencing a cautious uptick in hiring, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a net gain of 14,000 manufacturing jobs in Q1 2025, though subsectors like fabricated metals and paper manufacturing saw losses of 1,600 and 1,500 jobs, respectively. This uneven growth signals a demand for leadership that can address operational inefficiencies and adapt to market shifts. Deloitte’s 2025 Manufacturing Industry Outlook highlights a sustained focus on decarbonization, with companies investing in lower-emission products, such as electric and hybrid models. This trend is driving demand for VPs in product design engineering who can lead sustainable innovation, particularly in industries like automotive and heavy equipment manufacturing.

However, the talent pool for these roles is tight. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 notes that geoeconomic pressures, like trade restrictions, are pushing firms to re-shore operations, increasing the need for operations leaders skilled in supply chain management. Meanwhile, the emphasis on sustainability has created a shortage of engineering leaders with expertise in environmental design—a critical gap for companies aiming to meet scope 3 emissions targets. IndustrySelect data shows 482,000 unfilled manufacturing positions as of February 2025, with roles like manufacturing and quality engineers in high demand, underscoring the need for strategic oversight at the VP level.

Compensation for these roles varies widely. In product design engineering, a VP might expect $180,000 to $292,000 annually, depending on experience and location, according to ZipRecruiter. However, small and mid-sized firms often struggle to compete with larger companies offering comprehensive benefits. Flexibility, such as hybrid work options, can be a draw, though many firms are reverting to in-office requirements, with 50% of roles demanding a physical presence, per Addison Group.

For small and mid-sized companies, fractional leadership is a game-changer. The Method Solutions offers access to seasoned VPs in product design engineering and manufacturing operations starting at less than $20,000, providing expertise to optimize processes and drive growth without the full-time cost. Contact us at themethodsolutions.com to strengthen your leadership strategy in 2025.