Director – Mechanical Engineering, Design & Advanced Development

Badger Meter•Milwaukee, WI

22h

About The Position

Badger Meter's technology measures and manages water — accurately, reliably, and at scale — for utilities and municipalities across the country. As Director of Mechanical Engineering, Design & Advanced Development, you'll lead the teams that make that possible. This is a leader-of-leaders role sitting at the center of our engineering organization, with direct influence over mechanical engineering, product design, and the advanced development work that defines our next generation of products. If you thrive at the intersection of technical depth, strategic thinking, and people leadership — this role was built for you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar) required; Master's preferred.
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in mechanical design, product development, or related disciplines required.
5+ years leading engineering managers and building high-performing, multi-functional teams required.
Proven track record leading engineering organizations through the full product development lifecycle (concept to production) required.
Strong command of mechanical design principles, GD&T, CAD tools (CREO or equivalent), and PLM/PDM systems required.
Familiarity with DFM and Design for Automation in a manufacturing environment required.
Experience with FMEA, design reviews, reliability engineering, and root cause analysis required.
ERP platform experience (IFS, SAP, or similar) required.

Nice To Haves

Background in flow measurement, fluid handling, water infrastructure, or instrumentation strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of water industry standards: NSF/ANSI 61 & 372, AWWA, ISO 4064, and PFAS/EPA frameworks preferred.
Understanding of materials science for wetted components — lead-free brass, polymer compliance, potable water contact preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and develop a high-performing leadership team across Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Advanced Development — setting clear expectations, coaching managers, and building organizational depth.
Set technical direction that connects to business strategy — translating product roadmap priorities into executable plans across all three disciplines.
Guide Advanced Development to evaluate and pursue emerging technologies that strengthen our product portfolio and long-term roadmap.
Champion DFM and Design for Automation, and lead capital planning for engineering tools, lab equipment, and CAD infrastructure.
Partner with Regulatory Compliance and Quality teams to uphold design quality, PLM discipline, and standards adherence — ensuring seamless development-to-production transitions and that regulatory requirements are embedded into design and material selection from the start.

Benefits

Competitive Pay
Annual Bonus
Eligible for Annual Pay Increases
Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental Coverage
15 days Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
Two Ways to Save for Retirement: Badger Meter contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute to the plan, up to 7% of your eligible compensation. In addition to the match, the company will also contribute 5% of your eligible compensation to your Defined Contribution account on an annual basis.
Additional access to a certified financial planner to help ensure your money is working for you, at no cost!
Employer Paid benefits including: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Basic Group Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and more
Educational Assistance – Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250
Voluntary benefits including: Additional Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident and Critical Illness coverage
Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options