Senior Director, Research and Development (NEEDHAM)

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 4,100 associates, the company's products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.

AI at SharkNinja

At SharkNinja, we're building an AI-native culture. We're not waiting for the future; we're creating it. Our people are expected to experiment boldly, adopt new tools, and continuously raise what's possible to create meaningful impact for our consumers. If you believe the best way to do your job hasn't been invented yet, you'll fit right in.

OVERVIEW

As the Senior Director of Research & Development, you will lead the R&D strategy and execution for Shark's Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare categories, ensuring strong alignment to business priorities and delivery of high-quality, innovative products.

You will be responsible for translating company and category strategy into a focused R&D and technology roadmap, driving execution across programs and ensuring delivery of 5-star products that meet performance, cost, and timeline expectations.

You will play a key leadership role within Engineering, partnering closely with Category, Design, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment, prioritization, and successful product delivery. You will also lead and develop a high-performing global R&D organization, building strong technical capability and leadership depth within your teams.

WHAT THIS ROLE DELIVERS

Functional Leadership & Execution

• Lead the R&D strategy and execution for Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare, aligned to company and category priorities
• Translate strategic direction into actionable R&D roadmaps and deliverables
• Drive strong execution across programs, ensuring alignment to business goals

Portfolio & Program Execution

• Oversee the R&D portfolio, ensuring appropriate prioritization, resourcing, and delivery
• Drive execution discipline across programs to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and performance targets
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables

Research, Innovation & Technology

• Lead research efforts to identify and apply emerging technologies, materials, and system capabilities
• Drive innovation that enhances product performance, cost efficiency, and scalability
• Support evaluation of external technologies and partnerships to strengthen capabilities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Advanced Development, Product Management, Design, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution from concept through commercialization
• Ensure R&D priorities are aligned with product, commercial, and manufacturing requirements

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing R&D organization
• Drive accountability, collaboration, and a strong execution mindset across teams
• Support development of future leaders and strengthen technical capabilities within the function

Risk Management & Communication

• Identify and manage technical and execution risks across programs
• Provide clear and consistent updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and key decisions
• Support data-driven decision-making through strong analysis and insights

ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

• 12+ years of experience in Engineering/R&D, with leadership responsibility for complex programs or teams
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering consumer products from concept through commercialization
• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related field
• Strong ability to translate strategy into execution and drive results in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders
• Strong consumer mindset with the ability to connect product decisions to user needs and business outcomes
• Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to support prioritization and decision-making
• Experience with performance-driven systems (e.g., airflow, motors, or similar) preferred
• Action-oriented, hands-on leader with strong problem-solving skills

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Strong execution across R&D programs, delivering high-quality products on time and within budget
• Clear alignment across Engineering, Design, and Product teams
• Well-prioritized portfolio focused on highest-impact initiatives
• A capable, engaged R&D team with growing leadership strength
• Consistent delivery of products that meet consumer expectations and business goals

Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre-paid legal insurance, back-up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.