Director of R&D at Spin.pm in San Francisco, CA

About the Role

We are looking for a Hardware R&D Director to help us make the best possible micro mobility vehicles. You will drive researching new technologies that will be beneficial to our future platforms. Come up with ideas for making the vehicles better and then make them a reality!

Responsibilities

• Leads development and research projects, implement standard methodologies in innovation and maintain the department R&D budget
• Responsible for developing and supervising research and development plans for the R&D group, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, in accordance with the strategic plans and roadmap
• Promote a productive R&D culture that is motivated and accountable having a customer focus on innovation, quality, and improving the user experience
• Explore new scientific technologies and approaches, and determine their applicability, while staying ahead of competitive products and technology advances
• Represent R&D in the product development process - aiding to set project goals and achievements and responsible for R&D prioritization
• Works closely with cross functional teams to ensure alignment and prioritization around roadmap, product development, and budgets. Explore gaps within organization and technologies and prepare plans to address gaps
• Supervise R&D managers, making sure reviews are completed and objectives are set. Assist in the development of talent within the organization, and assist in their career development.
• Support Product Management, Manufacturing and Marketing groups to ensure high product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate internally with hardware teams, product management and BD to ensure joint research programs are progressing
• Represent the company at conferences and customer visits, and collaborate externally with academic and industrial partners based on our roadmap
• Represent the department around intellectual property discussions and IP lifecycle management with the legal department
• Promote the corporate vision and ensure alignment within the team

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering or equivalent plus at least 15 years of relevant work experience, or Masters degree plus at least 12 years of related experience, or Ph. D. in engineering plus at least 10 years of work experience
• Proven experience of at least 8 years as a manager
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• Consistent track record of direct and indirect management of resources and teams
• Understanding of best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and customer centric approach to product development
• Creative thinking and ability to drive performance and user experience requirements
• Demonstrated research record and experience in developing new technologies
• Understanding of material manufacturing processes
• Passion for personal and team development
• Ability to work across a large organization
• Experience maintaining metrics and budgets
• Must be well organized and enjoy working in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Some travel may be required