Research and Development Engineering Manager in Hudsonville, Michigan at ESPEC North America Inc

Who we are
ESPEC North America (ENA) is partner in environmental and accelerated reliability test chambers and solutions with a long history and deep expertise in making the world a better place through better quality, higher reliability products.

Mission
We continually aim to grow and evolve by building mutually responsive, innovative partnerships with our customers, vendors, and strategic allies, and creating opportunities for our team members. Our cornerstone is to be the most reliable and accessible supplier of testing solutions.

Exciting news! We're looking for an R&D Engineering Manager to join our Engineering Department. If you're seeking a role with an awesome benefits package, a 4-day work week with some Friday overtime, and no mandatory weekend work, this could be for you! Work in a clean environment and discover opportunities for advancement.

Working Schedule: 8:00AM - 5PM | Monday - Friday

Summary

Oversee the R&D group and utilize the NPD (New Product Development) process to launch or enhance test chamber designs, manufacturing processes, or vendor components. This position will physically also be involved in the functional role of R&D and Testing.

Essential Duties and 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. Includes department review and improvements.

· Implements and maintain 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, updating.

· Approves time off requests.

· Plays a role in the interview process, including screening candidates, conducting interviews, and providing feedback.

· Documents on employee performance issues and participation 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, purchasing, to discuss customer and market needs.

· Leads cross-functional meetings on projects with Ops, Quality, Engineering, and immediate team.

· Run risk assessments and mitigation planning

· Capital & Expense budget planning for the department

· Attend Technical Trade shows to continue research on new and upcoming technology.

· Team training and development, 1 on 1 reoccurring meetings

· Physically involved with prototyping and building samples for testing, as well as the setting up and testing itself of products.

· Putting 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%). Includes trade shows, or potential visit to a customer on-site to evaluate R&D opportunities.

· Regular collaboration and meetings with EC(ESPEC Corp) on project opportunities, updates, technology findings, sharing of information.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability that may be necessary for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering Required (Engineering Management/Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial)

Skills and Experience

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

· Some experience in CAD software (AutoCAD Inventor/Solid Works/Etc.)

· Candidates should possess a strong foundation in design principles and testing principles.

· Must possess a working knowledge of basic engineering-related mathematics.

· Have been exposed 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.

· Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office including (Word, Excel, Email).

Competency

· Team Leadership & Motivation: Ability to inspire, motivate, and guide the team towards achieving common goals.

· Knowledge of Industry Standards & Regulations: Understands and ensures team adherence to relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations.

· Innovation & Creativity: Ability to encourage and foster innovative thinking within the team, leading to the development of new and improved solutions.

· Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex engineering problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.

· Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of relevant engineering principles, practices, and technologies.

· Performance Management: Ability to set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, conduct performance reviews, and address performance issues.

· Planning & Organization: Ability to develop project plans, manage timelines and budgets, and allocate resources effectively.

· Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with team members, stakeholders, and other departments.

· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information, provide feedback, and facilitate discussions.

Language Skills

· 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.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· 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.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts (while in the Production shop).

· The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Guiding Principles

To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following Guiding Principles:

· Respect: Exhibit tact and consideration; assist and support co-workers; work cooperatively in group situations.

· Improvement: Seek feedback to improve performance; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills; share expertise with others.

· Safety: Observe safety and security procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.

· Effective: Exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills; display understanding of how job relates to others; use resources effectively.

· Solutions: Exhibit good listening and comprehension; keep others adequately informed.

· Lawful: Follow instructions and respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person with an alternate plan.

· Ownership: Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; put success of team above own interests; support everyone’s efforts to succeed.

· Urgency: Meet productivity standards and complete work in a timely manner.

· Deliver: Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; monitor work to ensure quality.