The Global Director of Research and Development oversees the company's global R&D program and is responsible for ensuring Eriez meets objectives for researching and developing new products or technologies and improve existing products. This role leads the company's research staff by planning and developing products to meet customer needs and remain competitive in the marketplace as determined by sales and marketing.
This position requires leadership of a team of engineers and designers to research and develop new product lines from initial concept to final product. Responsibilities include defining the work scope, evaluating manpower requirements, and defining the timeline required to complete the project.
Primary Responsibilities:- Direct the Eriez global research and development program. Execute projects from new product proposal to commercial release using Stage-Gate principles. Provide periodic updates to corporate management.
- Drive accountability, consistency, quality, and product improvement/standardization across all phases of research and development.
- Responsible for developing and monitoring research and development plans for the R&D group, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget and in accordance with corporate strategic plans.
- Promote a productive R&D culture that is motivated and accountable having a customer focus on innovation and quality.
- Explore new engineering technologies and approaches and determine their applicability while keeping abreast of competitive products and technology advances.
- Supervise R&D managers making sure reviews are completed and objectives are set.
- Assist in the development of talent within the organization and make recommendations for promotions and new additions to ensure adequate R&D staffing.
- Support manufacturing and marketing groups to ensure high product quality and customer satisfaction.
- Represent the company at conferences and customer visits and collaborate externally with academic and industrial partners in accordance with strategic plans.
- Provide support to intellectual property lifecycle management.
- Promote the corporate vision and ensure alignment within the organizations strategic plan.
- Travel to customer sites and affiliates as required.
Requirements- Bachelor of Science degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Master of Science degree and/or professional engineering license desirable.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in engineering or R&D environment.
- Minimum 10 years supervisory experience.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Proven record of direct management of resources and teams.
- Understanding of best practices in project management and customer centric approach to product development.
- Demonstrated experience in new product development.
- Ability to work across a large organization.
- Demonstrate a high level of creativity and ingenuity to provide reliable, cost-effective solutions to design issues.
- Possess machine design experience with the ability to review product designs from an engineering point of view and determine the critical components or design features.
- Knowledge of scientific and engineering practices for machine design including knowledge of ANSI/AWS documentation practices and procedures.
- Ability to travel as required.
Benefits- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Medical Insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
- Referral program
