Director, Engineering - Motors

SharkNinja•Needham, MA

8d•$190,000 - $210,000•Onsite

About The Position

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company. At SharkNinja, we push the boundaries to develop world class consumer products that transform everyday life. The Director of Engineering - Motors, is a senior technical and people leader responsible for shaping the strategy, design, and development of advanced motor systems across SharkNinja’s growing product portfolio. This is a player/coach role — you will lead and grow a team of motor engineers while staying hands-on with the most complex technical challenges. You bring deep expertise in electromagnetic design, electromechanical systems, and power conversion, and you excel at partnering with global motor suppliers to develop purpose-built solutions for our products. The ability to bridge rigorous technical depth with cross-functional and supplier collaboration is essential. Airflow and fluid-dynamics experience is a strong plus, particularly in applications involving fans, blowers, or high-performance suction systems.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in motor design and development, ideally in consumer products, appliances, or electromechanical systems — with demonstrated experience in a technical leadership or management role.
Proven people leadership skills — experience building, mentoring, and developing engineering teams.
Expert-level understanding of electromagnetic theory, motor physics, and magnetic material properties.
Hands-on experience with FEA tools (e.g., Maxwell, JMAG, Motor-CAD) for electromagnetic and thermal modeling.
Strong background in electrical machine design, including stator winding, rotor dynamics, and torque ripple optimization.
Deep knowledge of motor control principles, including sensorless and vector control, PWM techniques, and inverter systems.
Extensive supplier partnership experience — driving detailed design collaboration, refinement, and production readiness with global motor suppliers.
Experience working with Asian motor suppliers, particularly in managing design collaboration, communication, and development cycles across time zones and cultural contexts.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes for motors (stamping, winding, potting, balancing).
Proven cross-functional collaborator across mechanical, electrical, and firmware disciplines.
Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering required

Nice To Haves

Airflow and fluid-dynamics experience is a strong plus, particularly in applications involving fans, blowers, or high-performance suction systems.
Master’s or Ph.D. preferred with emphasis in electromagnetics or motor systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of motor engineers — setting clear goals, fostering technical growth, and building a high-performing, collaborative engineering culture.
Drive motor technology strategy, defining the roadmap for motor architectures across SharkNinja’s product portfolio including BLDC, universal, and switched reluctance motors.
Provide technical oversight and guidance across end-to-end motor development from concept through prototype, validation, and production — working closely with motor manufacturers to ensure designs meet SharkNinja’s performance and quality requirements.
Partner deeply with global motor suppliers to co-develop optimized motor solutions, driving detailed design collaboration, component optimization, and production readiness.
Define and hold motor performance targets in partnership with cross-functional engineering teams — torque, speed, noise, vibration, efficiency, and thermal characteristics — aligned with product requirements.
Conduct and guide advanced electromagnetic and electromechanical analysis in partnership with cross-functional engineering teams, including FEA and simulation for magnetic circuits and rotor/stator design.
Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, controls, and firmware teams to ensure optimal motor integration, commutation algorithms, and drive efficiency.
Guide motor material selection, including laminations, magnets, winding specifications, and insulation systems.
Ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and scalability in partnership with suppliers and manufacturing partners.
Collaborate with airflow and mechanical design teams on system-level performance where fluid dynamics interact with motor behavior.
Contribute to SharkNinja’s technology roadmap in motor and actuation systems, representing the motors function in senior leadership forums.