Director, Advanced Research, Development & Test Lab

Director, Bourns Advanced Research, Development & Test Lab Job Description

Bourns is seeking a highly motivated, technically minded individual, to lead the Bourns Advanced Research, Development & Test Lab located at its headquarters in Riverside, California. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy, this position will be responsible for identifying, incubating, and accelerating breakthrough technologies and product solutions that align with our long-term strategic goals. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong business acumen, natural curiosity to solve technical challenges, and a passion for innovation.

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Define and execute the lab’s strategic roadmap in alignment with corporate growth objectives and divisional needs.
  • Identify and pursue “white-space” opportunities through innovation, including new technologies and product platforms not currently addressed by existing divisions.
  • Serve as a thought partner to product line and divisional leaders on disruptive technologies and innovation.
  • Ensure the Lab’s focus remains relevant and strategically sound.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and processes with transformative potential.
  • Lead early-stage prototyping, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept development.
  • Collaborate with internal business units to transition successful concepts into product development pipelines using the traditional technology readiness and maturation cycle.
• Team Building & Management
  • Build and lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technologists.
  • Foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and rapid iteration.
  • Manage lab operations, budgets, and external partnerships.
  • Create a learning environment for interns, recent graduates, and high-potential employees through mentorship and exposure to company-wide technologies.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability, and resilience in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• External Engagement
  • Foster relationships with universities, startups, research institutions, and industry consortia.
  • Represent the company at conferences, technical forums, and innovation summits.
• Governance & Reporting
  • Develop and implement departmental processes, KPIs and reporting framework to drive optimal usage of human and capital resources.
  • Present findings and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of technology trends in electronic components and sensors.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex technical programs.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking skills.

• Experience working in or with corporate innovation labs, incubators, or venture arms.
• Familiarity with IP strategy, technology scouting, and open innovation models.
• Background in both hardware and software development environments.

• Visionary thinking with the ability to translate strategy into actionable innovation.
• Demonstrated success in leading change and navigating organizational transformation.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and quality systems.

• Fact-based thinking
• Forward looking
• Ownership & commitment
• Ethics & integrity
• Thoughtfulness

This position is based in Bourns’ corporate headquarters in Riverside, California.

$170,000 - $180,000

Bourns is an equal opportunity employer. At Bourns, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

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