Engineering Team Leader - Product R&D

Rakon Limited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rakon Limited is seeking a dynamic Engineering leader to head a team of Electronics Engineers and Technicians responsible for developing next-generation frequency control and timing solutions. You will provide both technical and people leadership while driving innovation, product development excellence, and team capability.

You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and global Rakon teams to shape technology roadmaps, deliver development projects, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in electronics product development.
• Strong experience leading engineers and technicians.
• Postgraduate study is advantageous.
• Experience with analogue and digital circuit design.
• Knowledge of APQP, DFMEA, and DVP&R.
• Experience with product verification and test systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Collaborative leadership focused on developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Engineers and Technicians.
• Provide technical leadership across product development from concept to qualification.
• Guide design reviews, verification activities, and engineering decision-making.
• Support analogue and digital circuit design, PCB design, and product verification activities.
• Ensure product development follows APQP-based development methodology.
• Collaborate with Product Management, NPI, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
• Contribute to technology and product development strategies based on market needs.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Stakeholder management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering

Master’s/PhD/Postgrad Diploma

Tools

PCB design

Circuit simulation tools

Modelling tools

APQP methodologies

Job description

Rakon is a global high‑technology company – a New Zealand grown success story, and a world leader in advanced frequency control and timing solutions. Our products play a critical role in telecommunications, global positioning, space, and defence applications worldwide.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a team of talented Electronics Engineers and Technicians responsible for developing next-generation frequency control and timing solutions. You will provide both technical and people leadership while driving innovation, product development excellence, and team capability while fostering a high-performing engineering culture.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Project Management, and global Rakon teams, you will play a key role in shaping technology roadmaps, delivering development projects, and driving continuous improvement across our product portfolio.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Engineers and Technicians.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support career development, capability building, and succession planning activities.

Product Development & Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership across product development activities from concept through to qualification.
• Guide design reviews, verification activities, and engineering decision-making.
• Support analogue and digital circuit design, PCB design, and product verification activities.
• Ensure product development activities follow Rakon's APQP-based development methodology.

Project Delivery & Collaboration

• Support project planning, risk assessment, effort estimation, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, NPI, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams across Rakon's global sites.
• Contribute to technology and product development strategies based on market needs and emerging technologies.

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience leading, mentoring, or managing engineers and technical teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in electronics product development.
• Postgraduate study (Master’s/PhD/Postgrad Diploma) in Engineering or Science (an advantage).
• Strong technical expertise in analogue and digital circuit design.
• Experience with PCB design, circuit simulation, and modelling tools.
• Knowledge of APQP methodologies and tools, including DFMEA and DVP&R.
• Experience with product verification, qualification, and test systems.
• Strong communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, collaborative leadership style focused on developing people and delivering results.

Why Join Us?

At Rakon, we value problem solvers who continuously challenge the status quo - those who look for ways to improve our products, our business, and themselves. You will join a supportive team environment where innovation, ownership, and professional growth are encouraged. If this sounds like you and you are ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.