Director of Research, Development & Product Innovation

About the Role

Director of Research, Development and Product Innovation responsible for strategic leadership across Union Tank Car Company, Procor, and McKenzie Valve. The role drives innovation by developing new products, technologies, materials, and processes that support business growth, customer needs, and industry leadership.

• Lead and develop R&D, product engineering, and innovation strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Set the strategic direction of Research & Development, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.
• Drive the development, enhancement, and commercialization of railcars, components, and service equipment solutions to improve performance, reliability, safety, and customer value.
• Establish and execute a forward‑looking innovation roadmap that anticipates market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and digital solutions that strengthen competitive advantage and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging creative problem‑solving, new ideas, and continuous learning across engineering and cross‑functional teams.
• Lead the research, testing, validation, and implementation of innovative concepts, ensuring successful transition from development through commercialization and operational deployment.
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of engineering, product development, and innovation projects, balancing strategic objectives, resource allocation, risk, timelines, and business impact.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Repair, Leasing, Sales, Operations and other stakeholders to improve product performance, manufacturability, repairability, reliability and lifecycle value.
• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor, providing mentorship, coaching and professional development opportunities for engineering team members.
• Monitor market dynamics, customer feedback, industry developments and competitive activity to identify opportunities for product differentiation and business growth.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, suppliers, industry organizations, universities and technical experts to advance research, innovation and technology adoption.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, engineering best practices, and company quality and safety expectations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, resources, workforce planning and organizational capabilities to support current and future business needs.
• Champion quality, safety, Responsible Care and continuous improvement initiatives while driving a high‑performance culture focused on innovation, accountability and operational excellence.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience, including product development, mechanical design, research, testing and implementation.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering, technical or R&D teams.
• Proven ability to drive innovation, solve complex technical challenges and lead cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Engineering Management or Business Administration.
• Experience in rail, tank car manufacturing, repair operations or other regulated industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of US‑DOT, Transport Canada, AAR, FRA and related industry regulations and standards.
• Experience leading innovation initiatives, technology roadmaps and new product development programs.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience implementing quality, safety and continuous improvement programs.

Hybrid work schedule: minimum two days per week onsite and up to three days…