Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager

Vax; Droitwich Spa; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vax, a leading Advanced Development unit within Global Floorcare, seeks a Technical Research Manager to lead engineering sciences across CFD, NVH and multi-physics. You will guide technology maturation, define system requirements and collaborate with electrical engineering and design teams to create robust, electro-mechanically optimized concepts.

With 8+ years in advanced development and a strong first-principles engineering mindset, you will present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or related discipline.
• 8+ years in Advanced Development, Research, Mechanical, Simulation or Systems Engineering within complex products.
• Experience with motors, compressors, filtration systems and pumps desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership of CFD, NVH, system modelling, multi-physics or performance engineering.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design, fluid dynamics, aeroacoustics and heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Engineering Sciences capability across CFD, NVH and multi-physics.
• Guide evaluation and maturation of new technologies via engineering analysis and experiments.
• Apply first-principles engineering to solve complex challenges.
• Develop system models and technical requirements for concept development.
• Define learning plans and validation activities to de-risk technologies.
• Collaborate with Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design for robust concepts.
• Engage with suppliers and universities to evaluate emerging technologies.
• Present evidence-based technical recommendations influencing product architectures.

Skills

CFD

NVH

System modelling

Multi-physics

First principles engineering

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder communication

Capability leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering

Master's degree advantageous

Job description

Technical Research Manager – Advanced Development

Global Floorcare, part of TTI, is home to two iconic floorcare brands: Vax and Hoover. As the Technical Research Manager, you will lead the technical research capability within Advanced Development, providing engineering depth that underpins future innovation.

Key Duties

• Lead and develop the Engineering Sciences capability, providing technical direction across CFD, NVH, systems modelling and multi‑physics.
• Guide the technical evaluation and maturation of new technologies, reducing uncertainty through structured engineering analysis and experimentation.
• Apply first‑principles engineering and sound mechanical engineering judgement to solve complex challenges.
• Develop system level understanding, engineering models and technical requirements to support concept development.
• Define technical learning plans and validation activities to de‑risk technologies before transition into NPD.
• Partner with Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design to ensure concepts are electro‑mechanically robust and the systems are optimised.
• Work with suppliers, universities and technology partners to evaluate emerging technologies and engineering methodologies.
• Present clear, evidence‑based technical recommendations that influence product architectures, our technology strategy and future investment decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc or BEng) in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or related discipline; Master’s advantageous but not required.
• 8+ years experience in Advanced Development, Research, Mechanical, Simulation or Systems Engineering within complex consumer or electromechanical products.
• Experience with motors, compressors, filtration systems and pumps is desirable.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of specialist engineering disciplines such as CFD, NVH, system modelling, multi‑physics or performance engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, aeroacoustics, heat transfer, structural behaviour and system‑level engineering.
• Experience using simulations, engineering analysis and physical testing to de‑risk technologies in support of engineering decisions.
• Proven ability to define system requirements, performance targets and technical validation strategies.
• Excellent first‑principles engineering capability, analytical thinking and mechanical engineering judgement.
• Confident communicator with experience presenting complex technical recommendations to senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.

Success Factors

• Technical authority: trusted engineering expert providing sound technical judgement and guiding complex engineering decisions.
• Engineering science: use first principles, modelling and analysis to understand broader system behaviour and solve complex problems.
• Systems thinking: see the complete product, balance interactions, trade‑offs and performance across all fields of engineering.
• Capability leadership: develop and inspire specialist engineers, build technical excellence across CFD, NVH, modelling and engineering.
• Evidence‑led decisions: reduce uncertainty through robust analysis techniques.
• Strategic influence: shape our future by providing confidence needed to invest in new ideas.