VP, Global Engineering and R&D

About Us:

We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George

A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).

Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy.

Job/Position Summary

The VP, Global Engineering, R&D will provide leadership and direction to the Engineering Product Development, Innovation, and Research & Development Teams for CTS Corporation’s Advanced Materials and Solutions Business Unit. The priorities for this position include strategic planning, product design, research & development, developing and inspiring the team, innovation, quality assurance, and problem resolution. The VP, Global Engineering, R&D ensures highest quality execution of product design, project deliverables, and innovation initiatives to meet company objectives, partners with management and develops systems and controls to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Creating and sustaining a lean and continual improvement focused culture as well as fostering cross functional alignment across the global organization are critical aspects of the role. Works with other business functions to deliver highest quality products at the right price, at the right time. Responsible for developing and delivering products and formulations that meet customer requirements, leveraging experience and team judgment to move quickly and efficiently.

Builds strong internal and external relationships, works with outside partners and in multi-functional teams interacting with the senior leadership team regularly.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Provides strategic vision and leadership to shape processes and best practices for an agile and lean workforce.
• Contribute to the accomplishment of key performance indicators including safety, quality, production, cost and development.
• Guides and supports the global teams, including advising on new product development efforts.
• Works to continue to develop the CTS company culture. Actively provides coaching, development and supervision for R&D staff.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationship with the respective customer interfaces.
• Creates a strong talent pool and pipeline through proper measures such as fostering of co-op program and career development for the engineering function.
• Ensures that necessary skills, competencies, and tools are available to execute product development activities now as well as forward looking.
• Develops and directs procedures and methods to ensure quality standards are met and maintained.
• Coordinates activities with the cross functional team such as Sales, Program & Product Management, Purchasing, Supplier Development, Supplier Quality, and Operations to execute new programs as well as support activities related to in-production products.
• Effectively manages departments within approved budget/forecast. Recommends and takes actions to adjust forecasted spending based on changes in market conditions.
• Manages product design through the product life cycle from idea generation to end of life.
• Provides support to Marketing, Sales, Sourcing, Consumer Services and Manufacturing teams as needed.
• Assists with Product Technology Roadmap and M&A as requested.

Research & Development

• Works with Marketing to help define and promote product concepts.
• Directs development and testing to meet project objectives. This includes development of new products, continual improvement, and cost savings initiatives.
• Keeps current on new developments in the areas of piezoelectric ceramics and crystals, passive microwave/EMI/EMC filters, timing devices and a variety of sensing technologies. Utilizes benchmarking techniques to secure leading market positions.
• Leads and monitors product development in compliance with established Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Leads the CTS external technical interface for all Advanced Materials and Solutions Business Unit Customers, Markets, Industry Associations, etc.
• Defines and executes product plans including budget, timing, and resources in support of Technology, Product, and SBU Strategic initiatives.
• Ensures Design for Manufacture and Assembly techniques is utilized.
• Performs special assignments as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in one or more of the following areas desired:
  Ceramic…