Valeo

R&D Director - Data Center & BESS

Valeo • $150K — $180K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Thermal Engineering, Electromechanics, or Power Electronics.
  • Proven experience leading R&D projects and platforms.
  • Strong knowledge of liquid cooling technologies and electrical architectures of Data Centers and BESS.
  • Experience in managing R&D budgets and engineering resources.
  • Leadership of diverse international teams with a business-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the global R&D roadmap for DLC and PSU solutions.
  • Conduct Proofs of Concept (PoCs) and provide technical support during RFQs.
  • Design reusable technology building blocks to enhance competitiveness.
  • Manage the R&D budget, including engineering hours and CAPEX.
  • Collaborate with Procurement to define Make-or-Buy strategies and identify strategic partners.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in one of the largest global innovative companies.
  • Join a multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration.
  • Career growth opportunities within a large organization of over 100,000 employees.
  • Be part of a business committed to sustainable development and reducing environmental impact.
Full Job Description
About the Role:

As part of the development of our activities in critical infrastructure and artificial intelligence, we are looking for our R&D Director - Data Center & BESS. The position is based in the US.

Reporting to the Data Center & BESS VP, you will define and lead the global technology roadmap for liquid cooling (DLC) and power supply (PSU) solutions dedicated to Data Centers (Hyperscalers) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will structure the R&D organization, manage the teams, and ensure the competitiveness of our standard platforms.

Key Responsibilities
  • Product Strategy & Pre-Sales: Define the global R&D roadmap, lead Proofs of Concept (PoCs), and provide technical expertise to support Business teams during Requests for Quotation (RFQs) with Hyperscaler customers.
  • Platform & Standards Development: Design reusable technology building blocks (design, architecture, patents) to maximize competitiveness and reduce time-to-market.
  • Management & Budget Oversight: Lead the global R&D organization, manage the activity's R&D budget (engineering hours, CAPEX, headcount), and develop the capabilities of regional technical teams.
  • Ecosystem & Partnerships: Define the Make-or-Buy strategy in collaboration with Procurement and identify new high-value strategic partners.


What You Should Have:
  • You hold an Engineering degree or a Master's degree in Thermal Engineering, Electromechanics, or Power Electronics, and have proven experience leading R&D projects and/or platforms.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of liquid cooling technologies and the electrical architectures of Data Centers / BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems).
  • Key Skills: Leadership of international teams, business-oriented mindset, strong command of R&D budget management, and a standards-driven culture.

Join us!

Thanks to its strategy focused on innovation, Valeo aims at reducing CO8 emissions and developing intuitive driving to propose greener, safer, and smarter mobility. The fantastic (r)evolution towards the vehicle of the future provides amazing career opportunities and challenging jobs!

Diversity by nature
At Valeo, innovation is driven by the diversity, authenticity and energy of its talents. You are looking for new technological and human adventures? Join Valeo and its more than 100.000 employees across the globe! More information about valeo : https://www.valeo.com

Job:
R&D Management
Organization:
Power Thermal Americas
Schedule:
Full time
Employee Status:
Regular
Job Type:
Permanent contract
Job Posting Date:
2026-09-24
Join Us !
Being part of our team, you will join:
- one of the largest global innovative companies, with more than 20,000 engineers working in Research & Development
- a multi-cultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration
- more than 100,000 colleagues in 31 countries... which make a lot of opportunity for career growth
- a business highly committed to limiting the environmental impact if its activities and ranked by Corporate Knights as the number one company in the automotive sector in terms of sustainable development

More information on Valeo: https://www.valeo.com

About Valeo

Valeo is a French automotive supplier that designs and manufactures components and systems for cars and trucks. The company's products include lighting systems, wiper systems, powertrain systems, and more. Valeo is focused on developing technologies that improve vehicle safety, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance driving comfort. The company was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
Learn more about Valeo
Size
113,600 employees
Industry

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