Global Engineering Leader - Industrial Air Conditioners & Chillers

nVent Electric Inc. • San Diego, CA

56d

About The Position

We're looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success - and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Global Engineering Leader to spearhead our engineering teams focused on the development and innovation of industrial air conditioners and chillers. Responsible for driving product development, laboratory testing, and compliance, the ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in HVAC and refrigeration, coupled with exceptional leadership skills to foster a collaborative and high-performing distributed team. This leader will also play a key role in the development of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) solutions and participate in industry advocacy efforts. This role requires a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation to maintain a competitive edge, as well as experience in managing product complexity through modular design

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required; advanced degree or equivalent experience in Thermal Sciences, Heat Transfer, or related field is a plus
• Ideally 15+ years of hands-on experience in product development of HVAC and refrigeration products
• Minimum of 10 years of people management experience, including 5+ years managing people managers
• Proven experience in leading and managing global engineering teams
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans
• Strong understanding of HVAC and refrigeration principles, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• Experience with laboratory testing, compliance, and simulation tools (CFD, FEA)
• Experience with low GWP refrigerants and sustainable HVAC technologies
• Proven track record of driving continuous improvement and innovation in product development
• Experience or background with modular design principles and their application to manage product complexity and improve design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment
• Proficiency in project management and resource allocation
• Proven track record to coach, mentor and develop talent
• Ability to travel internationally as needed

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for a global engineering department of 25+ team members, including engineers and managers, located across the US, Mexico, and Italy, while providing guidance and mentorship to the entire department
• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and development plans for team members
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and open communication
• Manage team resources and budgets effectively to ensure project success
• Manage and develop people managers, providing guidance and support to build a strong leadership pipeline
• Oversee the design, development, and improvement of industrial air conditioners and chillers, ensuring high quality and performance
• Provide technical guidance and expertise in HVAC and refrigeration systems, heat transfer, and thermodynamics
• Lead work content for teams supporting laboratory testing, compliance (e.g., UL, CE, AHRI), and simulation (CFD, FEA, 1D System/Cycle Simulation)
• Drive the development of innovative solutions to meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements
• Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies
• Lead efforts to implement continuous improvement processes, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost reduction
• Implement and lead modular design strategies to reduce product complexity and improve design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Lead the technical development of low GWP refrigerant solutions and sustainable HVAC technologies
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulations related to refrigerants and environmental impact
• Participate in industry advocacy efforts and collaborate with partners to promote sustainable practices
• Develop and implement strategic plans for product development and engineering initiatives
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams (product management, sales, manufacturing) to ensure alignment and successful product launches
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges
• Ensure all products meet relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Oversee laboratory testing and validation activities

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan - both include a company match.
• Other supplemental benefits such as tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and legal & identity theft protection.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees