R&D Manager

JOA Human Resources•Sheboygan Falls, WI

15h

About The Position

We’re seeking a dynamic and highly visible R&D Engineering Manager to lead the growth and evolution of our engineering organization. This role is for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and execution—someone who can build strong teams, advance cutting-edge processes, and turn bold ideas into real-world results. Job Summary: The R&D Engineering Manager is a bold, high-impact leader at the forefront of innovation and execution. Highly visible and influential, this role accelerates corporate strategy by shaping world-class engineering talent and continuously evolving processes that drive excellence. The R&D Engineering Manager identifies opportunities, launches transformative initiatives, and leads change that elevates quality, maximizes value, and delivers exceptional customer outcomes. With a strong focus on organizational growth and technical excellence, they turn vision into action and strategy into measurable results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
6+ years of previous engineering experience.
A minimum of 2 years of experience in management and/or leadership roles. Experience leading large groups preferred.
Ability to adapt to change and adjust priorities accordingly.
Strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to present findings in a group setting.
Strong analytic skills.
Ability to travel to customer facilities both domestically and internationally.
Knowledge and use of MicrosoftOffice (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc..) software.
Knowledge and use of SolidEdge software.
Safety glasses and hearing protection are required while present on the assembly floor.
Ability to work a full day on a computer.
Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds in weight.
Ability to use hand tools and monitoring/testing equipment.
Ability to occasionally climb a ladder or maneuver into tight spaces.
Accommodate (15-20%) international and domestic travel for company business via driving a car or on an airplane.
The primary (75%) work area is a typical climate-controlled office cubicle environment.
The secondary work area is an assembly floor environment that is loud and without air conditioning.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in business (MBA) is preferred.
Previous automation experience, desired.
Project management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive communication within the team to ensure understanding of the business, alignment to the strategic plan (and their role in achievement of that plan) and other appropriate team communications.
Provide strategic leadership towards continuous quality improvement of people, processes, technology, and policies among the engineering talent pool.
Workforce/People Management, including but not limited to:
Develop and maintain a high performing organization through recruitment, growth opportunities and retention of team.
Evaluate and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineering talent pool.
Develop goals for the department and individuals in support of strategic plan.
Drive talent development initiatives within department and organization.
Evaluate employee performance, compensation, and career development objectives.
Mentor experts and leaders within the engineering department utilizing experiential learning.
Collaborates with other departments and corporate management to improve inter-department and organizational operational efficiencies.
Fosters continuous improvement projects targeted toward functional and operational excellence.
Monitor, control, and report results, progress, and activity per budget allowances and agreed-upon KPI’s.
Assign and prioritize departmental tasks that ensure an efficient use of resources per budget guidelines.