Director of Engineering; Research and Development

Director Of R&D

Join a technology-driven organization that designs and manufactures advanced sensing solutions used in demanding automotive, heavy vehicle, off-road, and industrial applications. Our products measure and monitor fluid level, fluid quality, pressure, speed, and position using technologies including ultrasonics, Hall-effect sensing, variable reluctance, MEMS, and embedded electronics.

As Director of R&D, you will lead the research, development, and technology organization and drive the innovation strategy that supports the company's future growth. Working closely with executive leadership, you will define and execute technology roadmaps, identify and mature new sensing concepts, guide new technology development, and lead the introduction of next-generation sensor platforms. A key aspect of the role is developing scalable technology platforms that enable product differentiation, technology reuse, and efficient development across multiple product families.

This role provides the opportunity to influence both business strategy and technical direction. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of mechanical, electrical, firmware, and packaging engineers responsible for the complete exploration, design, and development, and lead the introduction of next-generation sensor platforms. A key aspect of the role is developing scalable technology platforms that enable product differentiation, technology reuse, and efficient development across multiple product families.

Position Requirements:

R&D Strategy, Technology Vision & Innovation Leadership

• Define and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company objectives, technology roadmaps, and product growth initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish long-term product, research, and technology strategies.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, academic developments, and customer needs that drive future product development.
• Lead technology scouting, feasibility assessment, and concept exploration for new sensing technologies and system architectures.
• Establish and manage an innovation pipeline that balances near-term product needs with longer-term research and development opportunities.
• Guide system architecture and technical direction to ensure scalable, reliable, manufacturable, and differentiated product solutions.
• Drive platform-based product development strategies that maximize technology reuse, scalability, and speed-to-market across multiple product families.
• Balance innovation, technical risk, research investment, and execution priorities across the R&D portfolio.

Research, Product Development & Technical Execution

• Lead the exploration and development of advanced sensor concepts from early research through production launch.
• Oversee feature enhancements for existing platforms and the development of next-generation sensor technologies.
• Define and execute proof-of-concept studies, bread boarding, prototype development, and feasibility testing for new technologies.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Direct New Product Introduction (NPI), validation, qualification, and product release activities.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance for complex engineering, research, and customer challenges.
• Drive engineering excellence through robust design, experimentation, verification, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Support technology transition from R&D into product development and manufacturing.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team including mechanical, electrical, firmware, systems, and packaging engineering disciplines.
• Build a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering and research talent.
• Establish performance expectations and support career development across the organization.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between R&D, engineering, operations, quality, sales, product management, and manufacturing.
• Promote knowledge sharing, technical learning, and continuous development of core competencies.

Program & Operational Management

• Own R&D resource planning, budgeting, and organizational capacity planning.
• Establish and improve R&D development processes, tools, and performance metrics.
• Ensure projects are executed on schedule, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor R&D performance through quality, delivery, reliability, technical progress, and operational metrics.
• Remove organizational and technical barriers that impact execution and product delivery.
• Manage portfolio priorities across exploratory research, applied development, and product launch support.
• Ensure disciplined stage-gate decision-making and project governance for R&D programs.

Customer, Business & External Innovation Engagement

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, technology partners, universities, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in…