R&D Manager- Capital Equipment

Research and Development Manager

Join a Forward-Thinking Global Leader in Capital Equipment Innovation

Are you a seasoned engineering leader passionate about driving groundbreaking product development? Imagine working for a dynamic, collaborative, and ethical organization that's at the forefront of technological advancement. With a global footprint spanning offices in France, Sweden, China, Canada, and beyond, we maximize our R&D investments through international collaboration, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to personal accountability, discipline, trust, and proactive action empowers teams to deliver exceptional results. We offer opportunities to lead high-impact projects, build influential relationships across departments and sister companies, and contribute to a steady pipeline of new products that shape the future of the capital equipment industry. If you're ready to inspire teams, manage intellectual property, and drive strategic growth in a supportive, values-driven culture, this could be your next exciting challenge.

Position Overview

• Location : Northern Cincinnati, OH
• FLSA Classification : Salary Exempt
• Department : R&D
• Reports to : Director of Engineering

As our Research and Development Manager, you'll oversee investigative research and the creation of innovative products and machine designs. You'll lead a talented Development Team, support Production Engineering on technical challenges, and advance our mission of ethical, collaborative innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D Engineering Team in all aspects of product development for capital products, managing direct reports to ensure high-performance outcomes.
• Lead and participate in our annual global R&D conference to share insights and drive collective progress.
• Provide the Production Engineering group with standard drawings and BOMs as required for new products.
• Review assignments and specifications, negotiating alterations or revisions as needed to meet design demands.
• Ensure a consistent flow of new products each year, collaborating with cross-functional groups for both aftermarket and capital lines.
• Identify market threats and opportunities, reporting them to leadership to inform strategic decisions.
• Develop customer relationships to uncover new technology opportunities, assessing potential partnerships for successful implementations.
• Gather, derive, and prepare technical information for new and expanded product lines.
• Interface with global offices to optimize R&D investments and leverage international expertise.
• Build strong relationships and influence with department heads and peers in affiliated companies.
• Lead the bi-monthly Technical Steering Committee to guide technical direction.
• Manage product development justification, approval, and ISO processes.
• Assist the Director of Engineering in overseeing the company's intellectual property.
• Report monthly on the progress of Development and Product Engineering groups.
• Set goals and objectives for direct reports, measure performance, and provide development and training opportunities.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation abilities to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and machine design expertise.
• Familiarity with new product development processes like Stage-Gate and Agile.
• Knowledge of FEA and CFD to mentor engineers on project completion.
• Proficiency in design software, including SolidWorks and ANSYS.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite or similar; ERP experience is a plus.
• Embodiment of our core values: personal accountability, discipline, trust, and proactive action.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, or a related field, from an accredited institution. Master’s degree and/or Professional Engineering license preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in R&D and new product development within the capital equipment industry.
• Proven managerial experience with strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire technical excellence.
• Experience in the global patent submittal process.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional lifting, bending, standing, or stooping.
• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and work on a computer.
• Capable of navigating airport travel and tolerating long flights.
• When visiting customers or facilities, able to move around sites with exposure to typical manufacturing environments (e.g., heat, cold, dust, noise); must wear required personal protective equipment.