Manager, Advanced Systems Engineering

SharkNinja

3d•Onsite

About The Position

SharkNinja is looking for a highly motivated Manager to lead the Advanced Mechanical Systems Engineering team. This team architects the core mechanical and electromechanical systems behind SharkNinja’s early-stage product concepts, driving critical trade-off studies to balance performance, reliability, cost, and user experience. This is a true player–coach role. The Manager will serve as the lead systems engineer on one or more programs while also managing, mentoring, and developing a team of engineers supporting these efforts. This role owns the technical definition of “how things work” in our products—from concept through early development—with a strong focus on developing and implementing new technologies that deliver differentiated, consumer-delighting performance. On the engineering side, we seek a creative problem solver with a deep, intuitive grasp of physics and engineering fundamentals, someone equally comfortable hacking together prototypes in the lab as they are working through first-principles theories on a whiteboard. This role requires the ability to rapidly distill complex design problems to their core requirements, define scope and approach, and clearly communicate progress and risk. The work is highly iterative, emphasizing a fail-fast mindset to focus effort quickly and efficiently. Candidates should be capable of creating and executing test plans, analyzing data, and developing technical theories that may influence SharkNinja products for years to come. This is not a CAD-focused role, but you will drive product design through active participation in design reviews and close collaboration with Mechanical Design, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design, and Product teams. A successful candidate thinks like both a scientist and an engineer—deeply understanding system behavior and knowing which technical levers to pull to improve performance. On the management side, we seek a leader who can steer new product development from a systems and technology perspective within a cross-functional team. This individual will help generate new ideas and shape product concepts in directions that align technical feasibility with ambitious performance goals. The Manager will be accountable for both technical outcomes and team growth, overseeing system performance workstreams and guiding the development of enabling technologies required to meet or exceed requirements. They will act as the systems lead on one or more projects while managing a team of 4–8 mechanical systems engineers, working alongside the team and coaching them to embed effectively within product teams to align disciplines, ask the right questions, and drive toward a unified product vision. This role is heavily involved at the front end of the product development cycle, but it also supports programs through validation and into mass production. Success requires the ability to think both big-picture and in the details, balancing deep technical expertise with strong cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

BS or MS in Engineering (Mechanical or related discipline)
6+ years of relevant experience in product development or a related field, ideally in a fast-paced or startup-like environment
Proven record of delivering robust, elegant, and innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, including leading projects and mentoring or managing engineers
Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical prototype fabrication (assembly, wiring, fitment, and functional troubleshooting)
Experience with electronics, test equipment, and components common in small appliances (e.g., sensors, motors, heaters, batteries, PCBAs)
Advanced skills using Excel or similar tools to organize, analyze, and present test data
Due to the hands-on nature of the role, this is an in-person position based at our Needham, MA office

Nice To Haves

Ability to break down complex problems into first principles, define an effective plan of attack, and execute with a fail-fast, progress-over-perfection mindset
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals, including heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design
Solid analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and a relentless drive to identify risks and take ownership of their resolution
Ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely with both technical and non-technical colleagues, verbally and in writing
Comfort multitasking and responding to shifting priorities while maintaining focus on longer-term goals
Strong ability to articulate and advocate for ideas, with a willingness to both challenge others and be challenged in the spirit of collaboration