What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Engineering Manager position at SharkNinja?
About Us
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 3,300 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
R&D Engineering Manager – Ninja
SharkNinja is looking for a highly motivated Engineering Manager to lead Ninja’s R&D Engineering team. This person must be both an Engineer and a Manager – they will be the lead R&D engineer on one or more projects and also manage a team of engineers supporting these projects. They will be responsible for “how things work” in our products, focusing on the development and implementation of new technologies to deliver consumer-delighting performance.
On the Engineer side we seek a creative problem solver who possesses a deep, intuitive grasp of physics and engineering fundamentals and is equally comfortable hacking together a prototype in the lab or working through theories on a whiteboard. Critical to this role is the ability to rapidly condense design problems to their core requirements and communicate scope, approach, and progress. This is a role focused on rapid iteration and a “fail fast” mindset to focus efforts quickly. Candidates should be capable of creating and executing test plans, analyzing data, and developing theories that may be referenced in product development here for years to come. This is not a CAD focused role, but you will drive the design of the product through participation in design reviews and close collaboration with other teams. A successful candidate must be able to think like both a scientist and an engineer and must understand better than anyone else how things function and what levers to pull to make them work better.
On the Manager side we seek a leader who can steer new product development from a technology perspective within the cross-functional team, generating new ideas and driving the broader product concept in a direction that aligns with what’s technically feasible. They will act as R&D lead on one or more projects, overseeing the technical performance workstreams and developing the technology required to meet or exceed requirements. They will lead a team of engineers while also working alongside them, and they are responsible for their team’s work and growth. This role is involved heavily at the front-end of the product development cycle but also supports products all the way up to mass production. A successful candidate must be able to think both big picture and get into the details, and they must be prepared to balance being a deep technical expert while working, thinking, and leading cross-functionally.
Attributes:
At SharkNinja, we don’t just raise the bar—we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you’ll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what’s possible. When you join, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won’t just launch products—we’ll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja’s innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
SharkNinja's Candidate Privacy Notice can be found here: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/
For candidates based in China, please visit: https://sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/china/
For candidates based in Vietnam, please visit: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/vietnam/
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at accommodations@sharkninja.com
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 3,300 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
R&D Engineering Manager – Ninja
SharkNinja is looking for a highly motivated Engineering Manager to lead Ninja’s R&D Engineering team. This person must be both an Engineer and a Manager – they will be the lead R&D engineer on one or more projects and also manage a team of engineers supporting these projects. They will be responsible for “how things work” in our products, focusing on the development and implementation of new technologies to deliver consumer-delighting performance.
On the Engineer side we seek a creative problem solver who possesses a deep, intuitive grasp of physics and engineering fundamentals and is equally comfortable hacking together a prototype in the lab or working through theories on a whiteboard. Critical to this role is the ability to rapidly condense design problems to their core requirements and communicate scope, approach, and progress. This is a role focused on rapid iteration and a “fail fast” mindset to focus efforts quickly. Candidates should be capable of creating and executing test plans, analyzing data, and developing theories that may be referenced in product development here for years to come. This is not a CAD focused role, but you will drive the design of the product through participation in design reviews and close collaboration with other teams. A successful candidate must be able to think like both a scientist and an engineer and must understand better than anyone else how things function and what levers to pull to make them work better.
On the Manager side we seek a leader who can steer new product development from a technology perspective within the cross-functional team, generating new ideas and driving the broader product concept in a direction that aligns with what’s technically feasible. They will act as R&D lead on one or more projects, overseeing the technical performance workstreams and developing the technology required to meet or exceed requirements. They will lead a team of engineers while also working alongside them, and they are responsible for their team’s work and growth. This role is involved heavily at the front-end of the product development cycle but also supports products all the way up to mass production. A successful candidate must be able to think both big picture and get into the details, and they must be prepared to balance being a deep technical expert while working, thinking, and leading cross-functionally.
Attributes:
- Ability to break down complex problems into first principles, generate a plan/approach to resolve the problems, and then execute using a fail-fast and “progress over perfection” mindset
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering/physics fundamentals including heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design
- Solid analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and relentless drive to identify potential problems and take responsibility for their resolution
- Ability to quickly, effectively, and concisely communicate with both technical and non-technical colleagues verbally and in writing
- Adept at multitasking and responding quickly to shifting priorities without losing sight of longer-term projects and goals
- Strong ability to articulate and advocate for your ideas, and willingness to both challenge others and be challenged yourself on the merits of ideas
- BS or MS in Engineering (Mechanical or similar discipline)
- 6 years of related experience in product development or a related field, ideally in a fast-paced, startup type environment
- Proven record of delivering robust, elegant, and innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, leading projects, and managing or mentoring other engineers
- Experience with general hands on mechanical and/or electrical fabrication (power tools, sheet metal work, electrical wiring)
- Experience with electronics, test equipment, and components common in small appliances (sensors, motors, heaters, PCBAs, etc.)
- Basic CAD experience
- Advanced skills in using Excel (or similar programs) to organize and analyze test data
- Due to the hands-on nature of the role working with prototypes this is an in-person role at our Needham, MA office.
At SharkNinja, we don’t just raise the bar—we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you’ll be right at home.
What We Offer
We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what’s possible. When you join, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won’t just launch products—we’ll disrupt entire markets.
At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja’s innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.
Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary
SharkNinja's Candidate Privacy Notice can be found here: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/
For candidates based in China, please visit: https://sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/china/
For candidates based in Vietnam, please visit: https://www.sharkninja.com/candidate-privacy-notice/vietnam/
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at accommodations@sharkninja.com
