Research and Development Engineering Manager

ESPEC North America Inc•Hudsonville, MI

3d•$102,190 - $122,467•Onsite

About The Position

ESPEC North America (ENA) is seeking an R&D Engineering Manager to join their Engineering Department. This role involves overseeing the R&D group and utilizing the New Product Development (NPD) process to launch or enhance test chamber designs, manufacturing processes, or vendor components. The position also includes hands-on involvement in the functional roles of R&D and Testing. The company offers a 4-day work week with potential for Friday overtime, no mandatory weekend work, a clean work environment, and opportunities for advancement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Engineering Management/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial) Required.
5+ Years’ experience in leading/managing an R&D department & team – 10+ Preferred.
Some experience in CAD software (AutoCAD Inventor/Solid Works/Etc.).
Strong foundation in design principles and testing principles.
Working knowledge of basic engineering-related mathematics.
Exposure to researching and purchasing testing equipment for R&D labs.
5+ Years’ experience in using testing equipment within R&D labs.
Exposure to writing technical procedures and documentation.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office including (Word, Excel, Email).
Ability to read and comprehend multiple step instructions (in the English language), short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the production shop.
While performing the duties of this Job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

10+ Years’ experience in leading/managing an R&D department & team.

Responsibilities

Manages the distribution of jobs and tasks among the R&D team members, ensuring balanced workloads.
Develops, documents, and implements standards and guidelines to ensure consistency and quality, including department review and improvements.
Implements and maintains efficient department processes.
Creates and implements training protocols and documentation procedures to ensure consistent training across the group.
Identifies areas for improvement within the group and delegates problem-solving responsibilities to appropriate team members.
Monitors project portfolio, management, and updating.
Approves time off requests.
Plays a role in the interview process, including screening candidates, conducting interviews, and providing feedback.
Documents employee performance issues and participates in disciplinary meetings.
Creates and administers annual performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and development plans.
Works independently and with teams.
Regular physical attendance is required.
Other duties may be assigned.
Leads R&D/NPD review meetings with the executive team.
Meets with sales, marketing, production, and purchasing to discuss customer and market needs.
Leads cross-functional meetings on projects with Ops, Quality, Engineering, and immediate team.
Runs risk assessments and mitigation planning.
Capital & Expense budget planning for the department.
Attends Technical Trade shows to continue research on new and upcoming technology.
Conducts team training and development, and reoccurring 1-on-1 meetings.
Physically involved with prototyping and building samples for testing, as well as the setting up and testing itself of products.
Puts together technical reports from R&D testing (DOCs/Release of Project & Products).
Responsible for the department KPI metrics and review/reporting/updating.
Minimal travel (less than 25%), including trade shows, or potential visits to a customer on-site to evaluate R&D opportunities.
Regular collaboration and meetings with EC (ESPEC Corp) on project opportunities, updates, technology findings, and sharing of information.