Director of Product Development

CMD CORPORATION • Appleton, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Product Development provides executive leadership for the Company’s product development, engineering, and technical innovation strategy. This role is responsible for translating business objectives, customer needs, and market opportunities into practical technical solutions that support growth, operational excellence, and long-term customer success. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director builds and develops high-performing engineering teams, advances product and technology roadmaps, and ensures technical priorities are aligned with the Company’s strategic direction in an OEM manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated technical acumen in product development, engineering design, manufacturing processes, and equipment commercialization.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate engineering and technical teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business, customer, and executive-level recommendations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a practical focus on customer value, operational performance, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, ERP systems, product lifecycle management practices, engineering documentation systems, and project management tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering, product development, or technical leadership experience, including at least 5 years leading engineering teams, product development initiatives, or technology programs in a manufacturing or capital equipment environment.
• Experience in an OEM manufacturing environment, particularly with capital equipment, engineered-to-order products, or complex machinery, is highly valued.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States, and adhere to CMD’s confidentiality agreement(s).

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree or equivalent executive-level technical leadership experience preferred.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Company’s technology roadmap, innovation programs, and product development initiatives to support long-term business growth and customer success.
• Align product engineering priorities with customer requirements, market needs, operational capabilities, and commercialization readiness.
• Provide executive oversight for New Technology Initiatives (NTI), advanced technology development, and validation of new technical solutions.
• Oversee engineering execution for sold work, including web converting equipment, kits, upgrades, and related customer-focused solutions.
• Champion platform-based architecture, reusable technology frameworks, and standardization opportunities across equipment and product lines.
• Guide projects from concept through completion, ensuring scope, cost, quality, schedule, and delivery expectations are effectively managed.
• Provide direction on complex technical issues and promote best practices in engineering design, development, documentation, and decision-making.
• Support successful product launches, technology transitions, and market adoption in partnership with sales, operations, purchasing, service, and other cross-functional teams.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering and technical teams that demonstrate accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish department goals, performance indicators, priorities, and operating rhythms that align with strategic business objectives.
• Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and financial review processes; recommend adjustments that support business performance and product development priorities.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices that improve engineering effectiveness, operational efficiency, quality, and speed to market.
• Foster an environment where employees are encouraged to raise ideas, solve problems, contribute to decision-making, and support continuous improvement.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive developments, and customer needs to inform product strategy and technical direction.
• Establish and maintain strategic technology partnerships with industry partners, higher education institutions, suppliers, and other external resources.
• Support intellectual property activities by maintaining appropriate technical records and collaborating with patent counsel on patent-related matters.
• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and staff through clear expectations, SMART goals, ongoing feedback, and development planning aligned with departmental strategy.
• Address performance concerns, employee relations matters, and workplace conflict in a timely, constructive, and compliant manner.
• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies and applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Benefits

• equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director