R&D Manager (Project Engineering and Testing)
About The Position
The Manager, R&D - PEaT provides engineering support, research, documentation, integration, and validation for the Kubota NAR1 department and its R&D initiatives. The position oversees Project Engineers and drives technology product development projects. Work includes system-wide functional testing; internal and customer validation; test planning; design contributions; systems engineering; prototyping; component sourcing and integration; documentation; and management of vendors and research partners. The role leads engineering and testing teams, applies systems engineering practices across integrated subsystems, and supports the use of engineering systems and digital toolchains to improve requirements, traceability, and verification and validation reporting. It also manages and mentors Project Engineers, contributes to technology roadmaps, and communicates project status and technical findings across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in engineering or related technical fields.
- Prior management, team leadership, or project leadership experience.
- Willingness to travel up to 25%.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree.
- Experience in the agriculture or construction industries.
Responsibilities
- Gather and document test plans and requirements, and create integration proposals for system verification and validation strategies aligned with NAR R&D project and business goals.
- Execute test plans systematically, independently or as part of a larger testing team.
- Lead project teams and organize resources to plan and perform testing appropriate to project scope, risk tolerance, and business exposure metrics.
- Maintain process control and discipline over engineering tests and QA functions to support passage through product development stage gates.
- Lead project teams developing mechanical, electrical, and software systems related to machine automation, cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, sensor integration, and machine control.
- Apply systems engineering practices across integrated subsystems, including requirement generation, interface control, and development of verification and validation test methods with requirements-to-test traceability.
- Support integration and administration of engineering systems and digital toolchains, including requirements management, test data acquisition, and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
- Develop and integrate basic software programs and scripts for prototyping and testing.
- Document testing outcomes and maintain technical project documentation using approved documentation and tracking tools.
- Create project-status demonstrations and presentations on technical findings for all organizational levels, including executive leadership.
- Manage and mentor Project Engineers, including work assignments, technical development, and performance management.
- Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and research partners to assess and develop technology that accelerates development and delivers appropriate quality.
- Support integrated technology roadmaps for assigned areas, including verification and validation milestones, and assess and report execution risks with mitigation recommendations.
- Maintain working knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations and apply them to requirement generation and test planning.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
