Product Research & Design Manager

Encore Global • Schiller Park, IL

5d

About The Position

The Product Research & Design Manager evaluates new and emerging technologies for event technology systems through research, prototyping, analytics, and organized field testing to provide recommendations to the Product Management team. Leads ideation and gap analysis discussions to surface new ideas and supports the development and modification of AV products, with a focus on combined technology solutions for simplified sales and operation. Ensures interoperability and integration of hardware and software components across the event ecosystem. Develops and maintains technology roadmaps and strategic R&D plans aligned with business goals. Reports to the Director, Product Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or design preferred
• 7+ years of electronics or A/V product management, development or design experience
• Analytical ability and understanding of financial analysis
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing and emerging products against the event technology ecosystem, including portability, deployment speed, interconnectivity, and field readiness.
• Gather and report research findings; provide analysis and recommendations for scalable, modular system configurations.
• Explore technologies through hands-on experimentation, field simulation, and deep engineering concepts; analyze and report findings.
• Actively participate in the organizing and execution of field testing of solutions.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to understand needs and expectations for new products; gather feedback through product testing and evaluation.
• Evaluate system and product design against Human Centered Design standards and live event integration requirements (form factor, UX/UI, workflow, durability).
• Engage in system-level design and prototyping, producing technical drawings, wiring diagrams, rack layouts, schematics, and written documentation (signal flow charts, integration guides, case studies).
• Design and test portable AV systems for live events, ensuring compatibility between all included. components: e.g. DSPs, switchers, control processors, power systems, and networking hardware.
• Collaborate with product managers, SMEs, and manufacturers to move prototypes through bench testing, field validation, and proof of concept toward deployment.
• Function as the Principal Investigator of any research and design projects as assigned.
• Gather the visual and written artifacts of contributors and document for communications purposes.
• Manage the logistics required in the execution of a project, including the purchase of supplies (as approved by director) and payment of vendors.
• Drive effective, efficient communication as the project communications hub.
• Track and report project costs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on any topic studied or evaluated.
• Answer field inquiries related to research.
• Support event experience brainstorming and capabilities conversations.
• Provide content for later refinement on any topic studied or evaluated as required by the director.
• Provide written evaluations and raw product positioning for later refinement as required by the director.
• Present findings, recommendations and point of view to leadership.

What This Job Offers

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