Product Research & Design Manager

Product Research & Design Manager

Position Overview

The Product Research & Design Manager evaluates new and emerging technologies for event technology systems through research, prototyping, analytics, and organized field testing to provide recommendations to the Product Management team. Leads ideation and gap analysis discussions to surface new ideas and supports the development and modification of AV products, with a focus on combined technology solutions for simplified sales and operation. Ensures interoperability and integration of hardware and software components across the event ecosystem. Develops and maintains technology roadmaps and strategic R&D plans aligned with business goals. Reports to the Director, Product Management.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Research
• Evaluate existing and emerging products against the event technology ecosystem, including portability, deployment speed, interconnectivity, and field readiness.
• Gather and report research findings; provide analysis and recommendations for scalable, modular system configurations.
• Explore technologies through hands-on experimentation, field simulation, and deep engineering concepts; analyze and report findings.
• Actively participate in the organizing and execution of field testing of solutions.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to understand needs and expectations for new products; gather feedback through product testing and evaluation.
• Product Design and Testing
• Evaluate system and product design against Human Centered Design standards and live event integration requirements (form factor, UX/UI, workflow, durability).
• Engage in system-level design and prototyping, producing technical drawings, wiring diagrams, rack layouts, schematics, and written documentation (signal flow charts, integration guides, case studies).
• Design and test portable AV systems for live events, ensuring compatibility between all included components: e.g. DSPs, switchers, control processors, power systems, and networking hardware.
• Collaborate with product managers, SMEs, and manufacturers to move prototypes through bench testing, field validation, and proof of concept toward deployment.
• Project Management
• Function as the Principal Investigator of any research and design projects as assigned.
• Gather the visual and written artifacts of contributors and document for communications purposes.
• Manage the logistics required in the execution of a project, including the purchase of supplies (as approved by director) and payment of vendors.
• Drive effective, efficient communication as the project communications hub.
• Track and report project costs.
• Consultation and Communication
• Serve as a subject matter expert on any topic studied or evaluated.
• Answer field inquiries related to research.
• Support event experience brainstorming and capabilities conversations.
• Provide content for later refinement on any topic studied or evaluated as required by the director.
• Provide written evaluations and raw product positioning for later refinement as required by the director.
• Present findings, recommendations and point of view to leadership.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or design preferred
• 7+ years of electronics or A/V product management, development or design experience
• Analytical ability and understanding of financial analysis
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills

Competency Group

• Deliver World Class Service
• Hospitality
• Ownership
• Do The Right Thing
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Drive Results
• Ensures Accountability
• See The Big Picture
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
• Value People
• Collaborates

Work Environment

Office / Laboratory / Field

Work is performed primarily in an office or laboratory environment with occasional travel to field and conferences. Working conditions in the lab may be hazardous, including exposed electrical circuits, structural rigging, and application of hazardous chemicals; attention to safety is required at all times. Working times may include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based in an office environment and when traveling, on an individual venue or a representation of venues in that city or area.

The above information on this description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.