R&D Engineering Manager

• Own innovation strategy and new technology development
• High visibility and business impact

About Our Client

A well-established, employee-owned engineering and manufacturing company that develops specialised technology products for industrial markets. The organization is investing in innovation and new product development, offering engineers the opportunity to influence product strategy, work directly with customers, and bring new technologies from concept through commercialization.

Job Description

Drive Innovation and Technology Development

• Lead research and development initiatives focused on new products, technologies, and engineering capabilities.
• Identify emerging industry trends, customer needs, and market opportunities to guide future product development.
• Develop innovation roadmaps that align with business objectives and long-term growth strategies.

Convert Insights into Commercial Solutions

• Translate customer requirements, market intelligence, and technical discoveries into viable product concepts.
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, and processes that can improve product performance and create competitive advantages.
• Guide projects from initial concept through development, validation, and commercial launch.

Collaborate Across Functions

• Partner with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to define product requirements and development priorities.
• Work closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment between innovation efforts and business goals.
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, and strategic recommendations to leadership teams.

Research Market Opportunities

• Engage directly with customers and industry partners to understand current and future needs.
• Participate in industry events, conferences, trade shows, and technical forums to gather market insights and identify emerging opportunities.
• Monitor competitive activity and industry developments to support strategic planning.

Lead Product Development Activities

• Oversee prototyping, engineering analysis, testing, verification, and validation activities.
• Drive technical problem-solving throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure projects progress efficiently from concept to implementation while meeting performance, quality, and cost objectives.

Champion Technical Excellence

• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams and project stakeholders.
• Support the development of new processes, capabilities, and best practices that enhance organisational performance.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. the company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.


The Successful Applicant

A successful R&D Engineering Manager should have:

• Experience leading research and development engineering work.
• Experience coordinating engineering and manufacturing activities.
• Ability to set technical priorities and manage multiple development projects.
• Experience reviewing technical progress and resolving engineering issues.
• Ability to translate business needs into clear engineering plans.
• Experience tracking project milestones, decisions, and development outcomes.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in research and development, product development, innovation engineering, or advanced technology development.
• Experience developing electromechanical, mechanical, electronic, or technology-based products.
• Demonstrated success identifying market opportunities and translating insights into product concepts and innovation strategies.
• Experience with prototyping, engineering analysis, design verification, validation testing, and product commercialisation.
• Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, customers, and executive stakeholders.
• Experience developing products in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience working closely with customers to gather requirements and drive innovation initiatives.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management, design-for-manufacturing principles, and commercial product development processes.
• Experience developing technology roadmaps and long-range innovation strategies.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and market trend analysis.

What's on Offer

• Permanent R&D Engineering Manager position in Irvine, CA.
• Salary of $130,000 to $150,000.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Lead the development of next-generation products and technologies.
• Influence strategic innovation initiatives with visible impact on business growth.
• Work closely with cross-functional leadership teams and customers.
• Join a collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package with opportunities for professional growth.

Interested? Apply today.

Contact

Brinn Borowsky

Quote job ref

JN-102026-7133112