Director Of Product Innovation And Engineering

Director of Product Innovation and Engineering

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Product Innovation and Engineering owns and drives research, product innovation, development, and technical execution for all company brands. This role ensures consistent quality and performance across all divisions by leading product innovation, operational excellence, and technical strategy. The Director is a strategic and hands-on leader with a proven track record of bringing successful products from concept to commercialization. Reporting directly to the President, this position involves leading a team of Mechanical Engineers and a Product Manager and is accountable for the full R&D function.

Responsibilities

• Own the Product Development pipeline across all brands, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery from research through commercialization.
• Provide market research studies to identify opportunities and understand customer needs, guiding strategic direction and tactical actions.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions.
• Ensure all output is dimensionally accurate with proper tolerancing for various manufacturing methods.
• Maintain part models and drawings revision control using SolidWorks software.
• Drive alignment across cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation.
• Lead design-for-manufacturability and design-for-assembly efforts to ensure reliable quality and target costs.
• Support successful product launches through hands-on support and process validation.
• Provide technical support to Sales and Marketing, including customer visits and product specification development.
• Participate in Industry Professional Working Groups to improve the industry and assure compliance with quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Manage correspondence and certifications with regulatory agencies and test labs.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic direction and long-term growth planning as an active member of the executive leadership team.
• Create and prioritize the R&D portfolio in alignment with the President and executive team.
• Manage resource allocation to multiple projects and optimize the product portfolio.
• Own R&D performance metrics tied to business outcomes, including ROI and time-to-market.

Essential Skills

• BS in Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years in product development with a proven track record of successful product launches.
• Ability to lead engineering teams and deliver results.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability across multiple production methods.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Plumbing, Fluid-Handling, and Mechanical Systems.
• Experience working closely with Manufacturing and Supply Chain.
• Proven ability to improve time-to-market and product margins while enhancing quality.
• Ability to convert customer challenges into commercially successful products.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position based in Grandview, MO, requiring presence 5 days a week. There may be occasional travel to other facilities in Joplin, MO and Kentucky. The company is family-owned, emphasizing a strong work-life balance, and offers a 401k match, profit sharing, and other incentives. The role involves being part of the Executive leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Grandview, MO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $180000.00/yr. Ask Emily for full benefits package.

Compensation includes base salary plus performance-based incentives tied to company and product success. Matching 401K, Matching Onward Short-Term Savings Program. PTO Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grandview, MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 2026.