R&D Manager

Baseyard; Braga; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance after probation

Competitive salary

International team

Leadership role in R&D

Job summary

Baseyard in Portugal is seeking an experienced and hands-on R&D Manager to lead our Research & Development function focused on robotics and advanced manufacturing. You will oversee product development, prototyping, testing, and the transition from R&D and prototyping to industrialisation and serial production.

You will build and lead a high-performing engineering team, coordinate cross-functional and international collaboration, and ensure manufacturability, cost optimisation, and timely

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering.
• 7–10+ years in R&D or engineering with team leadership.
• Strong background in product development and industrialisation.
• Experience with complex hardware, robotics or precision engineering.
• Knowledge of CAD, PLM and ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Experience with cross-functional and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the R&D strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead product development, prototyping, testing, and validation.
• Manage technical projects ensuring timely delivery, quality, and risk control.
• Coordinate transfer from R&D to NPI, Industrial Engineering and Production.
• Ensure DFM, DFA and cost optimisation.
• Provide technical leadership for complex engineering challenges.
• Oversee IT and digital engineering systems (CAD, PLM, PDM, ERP, cybersecurity).
• Build and develop the R&D team promoting innovation and excellence.

Skills

R&D leadership

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Systems engineering

Product development

Industrialisation

Project management

CAD

PLM

ERP systems

Cross-functional teams

International teams

Analytical thinking

Education

MSc/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

MSc/PhD in Electrical Engineering

MSc/PhD in Systems Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLM

ERP

Job description

Baseyard is building a next-generation industrial ecosystem for defence and dual-use technologies in Portugal. Our mission is to help advanced technology companies industrialise, manufacture, and scale unmanned systems, mission critical platforms, electronics, and integrated defence technologies.

As an advanced manufacturing and industrialisation hub, Baseyard supports customers throughout the product lifecycle, from engineering and prototyping to industrialisation, serial production, supply chain management, testing, and global delivery.

We're looking for an experienced and hands‑on R&D Manager to lead our Research & Development function in a growing high‑tech company focused on robotics, unmanned systems and advanced manufacturing.

You will oversee product development, technical project delivery and the transition from R&D and prototyping to industrialisation and serial production, while building and leading a high‑performing engineering team.

What You'll Do

• Define and execute the R&D strategy, aligned with business objectives and product development plans.
• Lead product development, prototyping, testing, validation and continuous improvement.
• Manage technical projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality and risk management.
• Coordinate the transfer of products from R&D to NPI, Industrial Engineering and Production.
• Ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), assembly (DFA) and cost optimisation.
• Provide technical leadership and support for complex engineering and customer‑related challenges.
• Oversee IT and digital engineering systems, including CAD, PLM, PDM, ERP integration and cybersecurity.
• Build, manage and develop the R&D team, promoting innovation, collaboration and technical excellence.

What We're Looking For

• MSc or PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in R&D or engineering, including team leadership.
• Strong background in product development, industrialisation and technical project management.
• Experience with complex hardware, electronics, robotics or precision engineering.
• Knowledge of CAD, PLM and ERP systems.Strong analytical, problem‑solving and leadership skills.
• Experience working with cross‑functional and international teams.

Nice to Have:

Experience with UAVs, unmanned systems, cryogenic technologies, complex systems or relevant ISO and quality standards.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead and shape the R&D function of a growing high‑tech company.
• Work with innovative technologies in robotics, unmanned systems and advanced manufacturing.
• An international team with diverse technical expertise.
• A competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance after the probation period.

Our process

• Screening call with HR
• Interview with the Hiring Manager
• Practical task
• Final conversation
• Offer