R&D Manager (Project Engineering and Testing)

Kubota•Grapevine, TX

11d

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 role 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 position leads testing and engineering teams, maintains process discipline through product-development stage gates, and supports development of mechanical, electrical, and software systems for machine automation, cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, sensor integration, and machine control. It also supports engineering digital toolchains, develops basic software programs and scripts for prototyping and testing, communicates project status and technical findings, mentors Project Engineers, and contributes to technology roadmaps and risk mitigation.

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 conduct 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, supporting requirements generation, interface control, and verification and validation 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 tools.
Develop and integrate basic software programs and scripts for prototyping and testing.
Document test outcomes and maintain technical project documentation using approved documentation and tracking tools.
Create demonstrations and presentations on project status and technical findings for audiences at 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 technology 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 requirements generation and test planning.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.