Director, Engineering - Advanced Development

SharkNinja•Needham, MA

2d•$140,400 - $205,000•Onsite

About The Position

At SharkNinja, we're redefining how products improve everyday life — and this role sits at the very heart of that ambition. As Director, Engineering – Advanced Development, you'll head up a team of passionate, hands-on design storytellers, engineers, and inventors who bring breakthrough product ideas to life. This isn't just a design leadership role. It's owning the spark behind SharkNinja's next generation of iconic products: you'll be the creative catalyst shaping what's next, driving how teams turn blue-sky thinking into tangible, consumer-loved innovations that define categories. The early concept architecture your team shapes is what eventually fuels mass production through our NPD pipeline. We're looking for a designer at heart — engineering and design credentials, a natural flair for storytelling, and a relentless passion for solving consumer problems in inventive, inspiring ways.

Requirements

10+ years in product development, including at least 5 years in a management role with experience managing managers — ideally in a high-volume consumer goods environment.
A consumer-obsessed mindset, with a proven ability to develop products that influence behavior, exceed expectations, and set new standards in the market.
Strong consumer intuition and market awareness — anticipating user needs and identifying commercially viable opportunities.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to pitch ideas and influence stakeholders at the executive level.
A passion for hands-on development, technical problem-solving, and pushing boundaries.
Demonstrated delivery of complex global initiatives on time and within budget, navigating diverse stakeholder needs and evolving project landscapes.
A track record of building and scaling teams and processes in a fast-growing organization.
Experience with SolidWorks or Creo, KeyShot, and Adobe Suite.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a closely related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Own early-stage concept development, design storytelling, and early platform exploration across multiple product categories.
Pitch future-focused concepts through design storytelling — in a way that connects emotionally and drives alignment across the business, including with senior leadership.
Partner with Mechanical Engineering, R&D, Product Development, and Product Marketing leadership to ensure early concepts are rooted in a strong, scalable product strategy.
Ground ideas in what's buildable — integrating knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods (plastic injection molding, die casting, sheet metal), and DFM/DFA so concepts are not just exciting but achievable.
Build, inspire, and lead a team of managers, engineers, and designers, fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and excellence.
Set and drive the strategic direction of the Advanced Development pipeline, identifying opportunities for innovation and differentiation across the portfolio.
Serve as a key voice in long-term innovation strategy and category vision, in partnership with senior cross-functional leaders.