Vice President, R&D Engineering

Job Summary

The Vice President of Research and Development will be responsible for leading the company’s research and development efforts, including assigning appropriate managers to review estimated schedules and engineering solutions, and developing testing protocols and criteria when pilot units are built. This role will attend outside technical meetings and conferences, will evaluate all project results, manage performance of R&D staff, and create and present the development plan and results to upper management.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in developing and commercializing innovative products, managing R&D teams, and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with the company's goals, market trends, and customer demands. Provide visionary leadership to the R&D team, setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Team Management: Build and develop a high-performing R&D team. Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Set performance goals, conduct performance evaluations, and identify training needs.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Foster strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to align R&D efforts with market demands and business objectives. Establish collaborations with external institutions, suppliers, and industry experts to leverage expertise and resources.
• Product Development: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs and market insights into innovative trailer concepts and features.
• Technology Assessment: Stay abreast of industry advancements and emerging technologies relevant to the transportation industry. Evaluate and recommend adoption of new technologies, materials, and processes to enhance product performance, quality, and efficiency.

Essential Functions (Continued)

• Research and Testing: Drive research activities to explore new materials, manufacturing techniques, and design concepts. Establish rigorous testing protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Analyze test results and provide recommendations for product improvements.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Develop and manage the R&D budget, ensuring optimal utilization of resources. Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and make strategic investment decisions to support R&D initiatives.
• Intellectual Property: Protect and enhance the company's intellectual property portfolio. Identify patentable innovations, oversee patent filing processes, and work closely with legal counsel to safeguard proprietary technology and designs.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and industry standards
• Familiarity with advanced engineering software and tools used in product design and analysis
• Proven track record of driving innovation and bringing new products to market successfully
• Experience in developing and implementing product development strategies that result in improved performance and competitive advantage
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams with strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and excellent project management and organizational abilities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Results-driven with a focus on meeting project timelines and delivering high-quality products

Preferred Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline
• Experience in and knowledge of the truck-trailer manufacturing industry or a closely related field, including up-to-date trends and regulations
• Previous experience with thermodynamics, telematics, and high-power energy solutions
• Experience with software, hardware, firmware, and electrical component development

Language Requirement

Travel Requirements