Director of Research and Product Development

Director of Research and Product Development The Opportunity Our client, a U.S.-based manufacturer of gas detection systems, delivers safety-critical instrumentation designed to protect industrial environments. Backed by private equity and entering a new phase of leadership, the business is focused on strengthening product development, aligning technology with growth objectives, and driving innovation across its portfolio. The Director of Research & Product Development will lead the company’s product roadmap and oversee multidisciplinary engineering and research teams. This role is responsible for bringing new products to market, improving existing platforms, and ensuring alignment between technical execution and broader business strategy. The Environment This role operates within a single-site, manufacturing and engineering environment, supporting product development across hardware, software, and sensor technologies. The Director works closely with executive leadership, operations, and commercial teams to ensure consistent execution and alignment. The environment is collaborative and performance-driven, with a strong emphasis on accountability, innovation, and delivering reliable, compliant products in a regulated setting. Travel is minimal, with occasional conferences or customer visits. Key Focus Areas & What Success Looks Like Success for the Director of Research & Product Development includes: Strong execution of the product roadmap, delivering differentiated and market-aligned products Leadership and development of a high-performing engineering and R&D team Successful commercialization of complex, sensor-based products from concept through launch Consistent product quality, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards Alignment between product development, operations, and business objectives Establishment of scalable R&D processes that support long-term growth 10–15+ years of experience in product development, engineering, or R&D within industrial or instrumentation environments 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and/or managers Proven track record of bringing electromechanical or sensor-based products to market Experience working across multidisciplinary teams (electrical, mechanical, software) Strong understanding of regulated product development and certification processes Demonstrated ability to drive execution, accountability, and cross-functional alignment #J-18808-Ljbffr