Research and Development Engineering Manager

Description

Who we are
ESPEC North America (ENA) is partner in environmental and accelerated reliability test chambers and solutions with a long history and deep expertise in making the world a better place through better quality, higher reliability products.

Mission
We continually aim to grow and evolve by building mutually responsive, innovative partnerships with our customers, vendors, and strategic allies, and creating opportunities for our team members. Our cornerstone is to be the most reliable and accessible supplier of testing solutions.

Exciting news! We're looking for an R&D Engineering Manager to join our Engineering Department. If you're seeking a role with an awesome benefits package, a 4-day work week with some Friday overtime, and no mandatory weekend work, this could be for you! Work in a clean environment and discover opportunities for advancement. 

Working Schedule: 8:00AM - 5PM |  Monday - Friday

Summary

Oversee the R&D group and utilize the NPD (New Product Development) process to launch or enhance test chamber designs, manufacturing processes, or vendor components.  This position will physically also be involved in the functional role of R&D and Testing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

· Manages the distribution of jobs and tasks among the R&D team members, ensuring balanced workloads. 

· Develops, documents, and implements standards and guidelines to ensure consistency and quality. Includes department review and improvements.

· Implements and maintain efficient department processes. 

· Creates and implements training protocols and documentation procedures to ensure consistent training across the group.

· Identifies areas for improvement within the group and delegates problem-solving responsibilities to appropriate team members.

· Monitors project portfolio, management, updating.

· Approves time off requests.

· Plays a role in the interview process, including screening candidates, conducting interviews, and providing feedback.

· Documents on employee performance issues and participation in disciplinary meetings.

· Creates and administers annual performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and development plans.

· Works independently and with teams. 

· Regular physical attendance is required.

· Other duties may be assigned.

· Leads R&D/NPD review meetings with the executive team

· Meets with sales, marketing, production, purchasing, to discuss customer and market needs.

· Leads cross-functional meetings on projects with Ops, Quality, Engineering, and immediate team.

· Run risk assessments and mitigation planning

· Capital & Expense budget planning for the department

· Attend Technical Trade shows to continue research on new and upcoming technology.

· Team training and development, 1 on 1 reoccurring meetings

· Physically involved with prototyping and building samples for testing, as well as the setting up and testing itself of products.

· Putting together technical reports from R&D testing (DOCs/Release of Project & Products).

· Responsible for the department KPI metrics and review/reporting/updating.

· Minimal travel (less than 25%). Includes trade shows, or potential visit to a customer on-site to evaluate R&D opportunities.

· Regular collaboration and meetings with EC(ESPEC Corp) on project opportunities, updates, technology findings, sharing of information.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability that may be necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering Required (Engineering Management/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial)

Skills and Experience

· 5+ Years’ experience in leading/managing an R&D department & team – 10+ Preferred. 

· Some experience in CAD software (AutoCAD Inventor/Solid Works/Etc.)

· Candidates should possess a strong foundation in design principles and testing principles.

· Must possess a working knowledge of basic engineering-related mathematics.

· Have been exposed to researching and purchasing testing equipment for R&D labs.

· 5+ Years’ experience in using testing equipment within R&D labs.

· Exposure to writing technical procedures and documentation.

· Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office inclu