Director of Product Development Center AS6412

About This Position

The OSU New Product Development Center (NPDC) is an extension unit of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology at Oklahoma State University. NPDC provides Oklahoma manufacturers and inventors with university‑based research and engineering teams to develop and commercialize new product concepts. These efforts may include evaluating existing products, establishing technology status, evaluating business and financial implications, developing new products, updating current products, integrating new technology, or broadening market shares with new product features.

The Director is responsible for overall leadership and administration of the department, including planning, developing, implementing, and integrating innovative, results‑driven engineering and research programs; developing stakeholders; managing budgets and ensuring financial goals are achieved; ensuring sustainability and continuity of the Center and programs; providing leadership in recruitment, selection, management, and development of professional engineering staff, administrative staff, and students; leading successful university, government, and industry collaborations;

and ensuring Center goals and objectives are aligned with the land grant mission. The Director develops proposals and bids for government and industry, directs all engineering activities in the project life‑cycle, oversees contract administration and compliance, trains and develops the technical workforce, and allocates resources to assure successful project outcomes. The Director manages Center business and technical staff to complete multi‑disciplinary projects, engages cross‑campus resources, and develops and maintains effective relationships with leaders of Oklahoma industry, manufacturers, government agencies, and clients to ensure long‑term success.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline, conferred on or before the agreed start date.
• Seven years of experience in project management, engineering design, prototyping, testing, analysis, and successful implementation of solutions; experience with manufacturing industry and grant writing/bidding processes.

• Must hold a Professional Engineering (PE) license or obtain it within 12 months of hire.
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license for the operation of an OSU vehicle required in the performance of job duties.

Extensive knowledge of engineering design principles, finite element analysis, technologies and practices; proficiency in 3D model and drawing development; proven ability to manage multiple concurrent business and engineering projects; strong written and verbal communication, administrative, budgeting, planning, leadership, and organizational skills; strategic planning and collaboration with senior and executive university and government leadership; policy application for compliance; proven track record in proposal development, grant management, and maintaining effective relationships with Oklahoma industry, manufacturers, and government agencies;

positive team‑centered work environment; analysis and evaluation of organizational and business problems; coaching of team members’ professional skills.

Requires the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Ten years of experience in project management, contract administration and compliance, manufacturing industry, and familiarity with extension/outreach and business support programs within a university setting.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes; product design and development; finite element analysis; successful grant preparation, award, management, and completion; evaluating characteristics of existing products, establishing technology status, developing new products, updating current products to lead the market, integrating new technology, or broadening market shares with new product features.