Director of Product Development

HellermannTyton North America; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

HellermannTyton North America is seeking a Director of Product Development Engineering in Milwaukee to oversee automotive and general market product development, validation, reliability testing, and tool engineering. You will shape strategy with the VP of Engineering and drive innovation across the product lifecycle from concept through end-of-life.

You will lead the department, coordinate resources, and ensure on-time delivery while leveraging AI/LLMs and PLM/ PDM systems to optimize processes

Qualifications

• BSME degree or equivalent required.
• MS degree preferred in plastics, manufacturing/injection molding, or management.
• 12–15 years of experience in injection molded plastics.
• Deep knowledge of injection molding processes and tooling.
• Deep knowledge of injection molding materials.
• Strong MS Office / Windows skills.
• Knowledge of ERP-PLM integration.
• Strong leadership, design/development and innovation aptitude.
• CAD skills: SolidWorks, NX or Catia.
• Proven leadership and cross-functional teamwork.
• Lean product development / Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Valid driver's license and adequate insurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the Engineering department to meet objectives and improve speed-to-market.
• Develop department strategy plans with the VP of Engineering.
• Drive innovation across product development and patent/IP portfolio.
• Coordinate resources, tools, and training including AI/LLMs.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate processes with PLM/PDM.
• Ensure on-time delivery of product development milestones.
• Promote Lean Product Development and Six Sigma practices.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Innovation

Problem solving

Travel internationally

Driver's license

Education

BSME degree or equivalent

MS degree preferred in plastics / manufacturing / injection molding / management

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Catia

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the VP of Engineering, the Director of Product Development Engineering is responsible for overseeing the Product Development Engineering departments, including automotive and general market product development engineering, Validation & Reliability Testing, and Application Tool Engineering. While this position’s contributions focus on product development from product concepts through the design phase, this person will support systems and processes from the earliest stages of innovation and product concept through end-of-life. This position ensures HellermannTyton remains a leader in wire and cable management. This will be achieved while maintaining HellermannTyton's certifications and supporting all corporate initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Manage and Lead Engineering. Working with the VP of Engineering, direct all assigned department personnel towards company objectives and continuous improvement in speed-to-market and get-it-right-the-first-time. This includes best use of FEA, plastic flow analyses, DOEs, alignment with APQP, etc.
• Strategy Planning/Strategic Vision. Working with the VP of Engineering, develop department strategy plans and manage goals and objectives aimed at achieving the plans. This includes bringing an understanding of customer and market needs and trends to these activities. This includes capital expenditure and headcount planning.
• Innovation. Working in all phases of product development to advance our patent/IP and innovative product portfolio.
• Evaluate and recommend department structure and resources. Work with department resource managers and recommend personnel additions, organizational improvement, resource additions like software, hardware, and equipment, succession planning, defining and supporting subject matter expert roles, etc. This also includes use of A.I., LLMs, etc.
• Coordinate with other departments. Engineering plays a supporting role across many departments. Develop and maintain relationships with other department personnel, and ensure engineering processes are properly integrated with the rest of the organization. This includes information flow from our PLM/PDM system to and from other systems.
• Deliver on time. Work with other departments to ensure product development deliverables are delivered on time. This includes ensuring inputs and outputs are good, and our systems and processes support efficient and effective work.
• New materials. Work with material engineers to incorporate new or improved materials.

Other Functions

• Training and Coaching. Provide training to co-workers, sales, and customers in areas of expertise to expand knowledge base and reinforce the HellermannTyton brand. Within the department, support individual development plans by ensuring everyone who wants one has one.
• Department Meetings. Play a leading role in contributing to regular department meetings, including creating content that supports our strategies and objectives.
• Audit Representation. Participate in any and all audits where product development representation is required. Ensure opportunities for improvement and findings, if any, are addressed.
• Performance Management. Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports. Support performance evaluations for all department personnel.
• Lean Product Development / Design for Six Sigma. Ensure we make the best use of product development methods to support our goals and objectives.
• Global Engineering. Work with counterparts at sister companies to coordinate and align product development activities where needed.

Qualifications (skills, Knowledge, Experience)

• BSME degree or equivalent.
• MS degree preferred in plastics, manufacturing/ injection molding, or management
• 12-15 years' experience in injection molded plastics
• Excellent working knowledge of injection molding process and tooling required.
• Excellent working knowledge of injection molding materials.
• Excellent Microsoft Office / Windows computer skills
• Working knowledge of ERP-PLM integration.
• Exceptional mechanical engineering, design/development, and innovation aptitude
• Basic skills in CAD, preferably SolidWorks, NX, or Catia CAD platforms
• Great leadership and team collaboration skills
• Lean product development / Design for Six Sigma experience preferred
• Able to travel internationally
• Must have a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and adequate insurance

By applying for a position with HellermannTyton, you understand that should you be made an offer, it will be contingent on your undergoing and successfully completing a background check through the use of our 3rd party supplier. Background checks may include some or all of the following based on the nature of the position: SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, criminal check, driving history, and drug test. You will be notified during the hiring process of which checks are required by the position.

HellermannTyton Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.