Lead the team that turns bold technical ideas into tested concepts that can shape Seakeeper's next generation of marine motion-control products. You'll own the early-stage R&D pipeline, build and coach a multidisciplinary engineering team, and create the technical foundation that allows promising technologies to move confidently into product development.
Every day looks a little different and we aren't going to bore you with every little thing you'll be responsible for on a daily basis (we will get into that throughout the interview process!) But here is a taste of the things you'll spend most of your time and energy on.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary R&D engineering team, building the technical capability, ownership, and capacity required for Seakeeper's long-term technology strategy.
- Own the early-stage technology pipeline, evaluating emerging technologies, materials, and opportunities against clear technical, market, and business criteria.
- Drive rapid prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, and feasibility studies that reduce technical and commercial uncertainty quickly.
- Create and maintain a short- and long-term R&D strategy and technology roadmap aligned with Seakeeper's growth priorities and future product capabilities.
- Translate validated technologies into clear implementation packages that product engineering can use to move concepts toward reliable product solutions.
- Lead system-level technical reviews and trade-off decisions, using data to surface risks, resolve disagreements, and establish clear next steps.
- Build strong partnerships across Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management, Operations, suppliers, and technology partners to accelerate R&D outcomes.
- Create a culture of curiosity, experimentation, collaboration, learning, and accountability where the team challenges conventional thinking without compromising technical rigor.
- Lead the technical contributions for intellectual property protection, such as patents.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, or another closely related technical field.
- Master's degree and experience with mechatronic and/or hydraulic systems are preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of experience in innovation, research and development, technology development, and/or product development.
- 2+ years of project ownership or engineering management experience, plus 2+ years of people leadership or technical mentoring experience.
- Senior-level, system-level product design capability with sound judgment on technical risks, interfaces, and trade-offs.
- Experience contributing to technology or product roadmaps with a five-year or longer planning horizon.
- Hands-on experience with feasibility studies, proof-of-concept testing, rapid prototyping, technical reviews, engineering documentation, and communication of project timelines, risks, goals, and budgets.Experience developing technical content for patents and intellectual property protection.
Programs, Platforms & Technical Skills
- Proficiency with engineering analysis and calculation tools, CAD and product-documentation systems, and prototype and test equipment.
- Ability to align senior technical contributors, reach practical compromises, and explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
- Familiarity with SolidWorks, Microsoft 365, Wrike, and NetSuite is helpful.
Physical Abilities (with or without accommodation)
- Ability to work in engineering, prototype, manufacturing, supplier, and marine environments while using required PPE.
- Ability to participate in on-water testing and move throughout Seakeeper facilities and test environments as needed.
This is a full-time role based at Seakeeper's Leesport, Pennsylvania facility, with an expectation of working onsite at least four days per week. The work regularly extends beyond a desk into engineering, prototype, manufacturing, supplier, and marine environments, including occasional on-water testing.
You'll join Seakeeper's Gyro Engineering organization and report to the Director of Gyro Engineering. You'll lead an R&D engineering team of approximately six employees across multiple engineering disciplines and work closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Management, Operations, and other technical leaders. You'll also collaborate with technology partners, suppliers, and material or component specialists.
We believe great work and dedication should be rewarded. This role offers competitive compensation based on your experience, skills, and qualifications, plus benefits designed to support you at work and outside of it.
- Semi-Annual Bonuses - When Seakeeper grows, you do too. To celebrate our mid-year and year-end progress, all employees are eligible to receive bonuses tied to company growth and their tenure.
- Performance-Based Annual Increases - Annual increases aren't one-size-fits-all. If you work hard, deliver results, and make an impact, you'll see that reflected in your merit increase - you control your destiny.
- Paid Time Off - In addition to paid holidays, you'll receive at least three weeks of paid time off, with additional PTO added annually as your tenure grows.
- 401(k) Contribution - Whether or not you contribute to your 401(k), Seakeeper contributes 3% of your base wages to your account.
- Health Benefits - We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage to support you and your family, plus company-paid life and disability coverage for added peace of mind. You'll also have access to voluntary benefits for a wide range of needs - including pet insurance for your furry friends. Are your health benefits already covered on a different plan? You'll get an opt-out stipend!
- Educational Support - We support your continued growth through tuition reimbursement options and job-related learning opportunities.
