Research and Development Engineering Manager

Job Title: Research & Development Engineering Manager

Job Description:

• Be smart, kind, and driven. These are the core values of Quick Quack, and people who succeed here truly embody all three. We need you to draw from deep past experience to work collaboratively with engineering leadership and stakeholders to define all aspects of research and product development projects. We need you to employ a broad skillset to manage R&D projects effectively through clear verbal communication and documentation. We need you to contribute your knowledge of quality system implementation to help refine and act as the facilitator of Quick Quack’s design documentation change management process. With your help and expertise we hope to continue growing and innovating into the future!

Formal Job Summary: The R&D Engineering Manager will have a pivotal role in managing and overseeing the execution of R&D engineers and projects. This person will guide the performance and careers of our engineers while executing our product roadmap, ensuring clear communication and collaboration with senior management and stakeholders to shape and deliver value in alignment with our business goals. In addition, this person will provide technical direction, support the team with technical expertise, and contribute hands-on when needed. While the primary focus is leadership, this person should be comfortable diving into code, reviewing designs, and unblocking engineers to drive execution. This person may be asked to own the delivery of strategic efforts, balancing handson execution with delegation to maximize efficiency and support team growth. This person will also oversee the execution of a new product development process from concept to completion. This person will collaborate with cross-functional teams like manufacturing, supply chain, new product introduction, maintenance, and operations to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while adhering to the highest quality standards. This will include projects that vary from research only projects to a full production released product that gets installed at stores.

This will require balancing priorities and a constant pivot on ever-changing requirements. Desired Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop individual career development plans with each direct report

• Define project objectives, scope, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.

• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets.

• Create and maintain project documentation, including risk assessments and mitigation plans.

• Coach and train engineers to help projects stay on time and within budget.

• Allocate and optimize resources to meet project objectives.

• Monitor and manage project budgets, ensuring cost control.

• Maintain clear and open communication channels with project stakeholders.

• Provide regular project status updates, reports to senior management, and design change records.

• Ensure that R&D projects meet quality, scalability, and maintainability standards.

• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Track project progress, milestones, and key performance indicators.

• Analyze project data and prepare regular reports for management review.

• Collaborate with external partners, suppliers, and vendors as needed.

• Familiarity with engineering disciplines such as pumps, motors, hydraulics, electrical theory, chemistry, statics, dynamics, & software development.

• Help refine the development process, key milestones, and key deliverables.

• Help with different documentation tasks through the development process including requirements. gathering, testing, manufacturing readiness, install, and general communication.

• Maintain accurate records of design changes and project progress.

• Fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging team members to explore new ideas and approaches.

• Supporting and refining Quick Quack’s intellectual property strategy among the engineering team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering related field

• 10 years of experience in related industries

• 2 years of experience in an engineering management capacity

• 2 years of experience in C-Suite presentation experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Good knowledge of project management software

• Problem-solving skills

• Detail-oriented working style

• Ability to work as part of a team with good interpersonal skills

• Willing to travel 15% of time