Director, New Product Development

EOTECH•Santa Clara, CA

2d•$190,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, New Product Development is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for driving execution, innovation, design, and development of externally (customer) and internally (R&D/NPD) funded cutting-edge digital night vision camera technologies and OEM camera products for defense and commercial markets. This role is pivotal in aligning product development initiatives and the product roadmap with the company’s strategic objectives and technical evolution, ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and market relevance. The Director, New Product Development, will lead direct and indirect cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, mission-critical solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This management position reports to the Vice President & General Manager, EOTECH Edge Vision Systems. This is an on-site position in Santa Clara, CA. Remote work is not possible for this role.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in program management, product development, or R&D, with a focus on NPD. (MS and/or PMP Certified a plus).
5+ years of technical background in integrated camera, sensor, or related technologies.
Experience in writing GOV Pricing and Proposals, including TINA and other regulatory compliance.
Track record of developing and implementing NPD/NPI process for complex technical products.
Proven track record of managing complex, customer-facing projects in a fast-paced environment.
Strong technical background and understanding of product development processes.
Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
Proficient with standard Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook and Excel.
Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Customer-centric mindset with a passion for delivering value.
Able to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing requirements.
Leadership and team-building skills to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
Ability to handle difficult and sensitive situations, using sound and independent judgment.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
Must complete and meet company standards for background checks, employment verifications, and reference checks.
US citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
MS and/or PMP Certification(s) a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of NPD Program Managers and assume the role of a hands-on program manager, as required and based on the appropriate division of labor.
Lead a team of NPD Program Managers who serve as the primary point of contact for external and internal customers and foster strong relationships, ensuring customer/market needs are integrated into SOWs and product development activities.
Provide a direct line of communication, and act as a secondary resource, for customers to escalate issues; support your team to effect appropriate resolutions.
Gather and analyze customer feedback to guide program priorities, product design, and functionality.
Regularly communicate program updates, technical solutions, and progress reports to customers and key internal stakeholders.
Generate periodic, sometimes government TINA compliant, proposals in response to customer RFPs to address program requirements, overruns, or changes in scope.
Routinely assess a broader scope of the customer’s organizational hierarchy for decision-making and alternate vehicle platforms or programs for new business opportunities (secondary objective).
Work with Business Development, Sales, Engineering, and customers to identify appropriate product variations and requirements.
Develop and leverage product ideation and funnel process enabling multi-year Product/Tech Funnel Portfolio Management.
With leadership and key stakeholder input, build a business case for new product opportunities to secure internal (and sometimes external) funding (product market fit, ROI, etc.).
Lead the NPD process, ensuring adherence to phase-gate methodologies and quality standards.
Define product specifications, performance metrics, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
Oversee product launches, ensuring seamless transitions from development to production.
Manage end-to-end technology and product development programs, from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with company goals and customer/market demands.
Coordinate and lead execution of cross-functional product development across departments, including R&D, engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and finance.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, budgets and risk mitigation strategies.
Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Resolve conflicts, address challenges, and maintain a collaborative environment.