Research Manager

Reporting to the Global Research Director, this position will be responsible for managing the research team in G&W Bolingbrook, conducting research, designs and tests for new product concepts and technologies, and transferring technology to the new product development group.

• Be responsible for managing the Research department at G&W Electric's Bolingbrook headquarters:
  • Communicate to team members the direction on strategic vision and develop/drive departmental goals that support short and long-term plans.
  • Provide engineers with technical guidance, focused on continually improving development.
  • Responsible for coordinating resources within the group to be in line with workload and schedule commitments on projects.
  • Perform technology feasibility studies, both paper and prototypes.
  • Applies research theories, principles and models when conducting experiments and research activities.
  • Create conceptual designs and Design, Build and Test prototypes.
  • Assist in developing and executing the G&W Product Research strategic plan and budget.
  • Oversee construction and testing of prototype components or assemblies as required in the development and approval process of new technologies.
  • Responsible for ensuring sample testing is in line with the test plan and meets or exceeds G&W requirements.
  • Responsible for proactively identifying and mitigating risks to the research project
• Participate in industry organizations (associations, standards committees, etc) to stay informed of and to influence industry activities.
  • Participate to and coordinate team contribution to standard body national and international committees and promoted events, such as IEC, IEEE, CIGRE organizations.
  • Participate and coordinate team contribution to university and third parties research organization collaboration and contracts, defining research content and ensuring agreed schedule and deliverables fulfillment.
  • Promote G&W presence and brand visibility in standard body, academic and publication venues.
• Provide Research support to Sales/Marketing on new technologies and processes.
• Work with third party vendors and/or partners to develop new technologies for high quality, lowest cost design options.
  • Interface with purchasing and vendors in the selection and approval of component parts and assemblies.
  • Supports NPD in selecting and validating suppliers and vendors during NPD implementation of new technologies.
• Provides support and coaching during transfer of new technologies to NPD team and projects.
• Develop direct reports’ work skills to improve research quality and result performances. Work with individuals regarding company competencies and personal growth plans.
  • Responsible for rating performance of subordinates against job requirements, established goals, and company competencies.
  • Provide support and direction to research team members such Project Engineers, Designers, and Technicians.
  • Encourage innovative thought processes and “out of the box” thinking for innovative technologies, design principles and processes.

• A Masters or PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (preferred)
• 10+ years progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development of High Voltage Equipment, including:
  • Leading highly technical and innovative projects. Desire to be constantly challenged with new problems
  • Project management, team management, root-cause analysis and computer analysis programs
  • Medium/high voltage sensor design and application in power systems
  • Leading and reviewing DFMEA, PFMEA, and PPAP process and documents
  • Leading development projects within a Stage Gate process
• Strong technical knowledge in the following categories per discipline:
  • High Voltage: insulation materials, dielectrics, partial discharge
  • High Power: current interrupting, switching operations
  • Mechanical:
    Molded Components and processes, metal fabricated parts.
  • Electrical:
    Current and Voltage Sensors, Power Systems (Protection, System Analysis, and System Fault Response)
• Strong understanding of FEA and leading capability of design analysis and interpretation
• Demonstrated ability to write/edit technical documents; test reports, engineering standards,…