Director of R&D: Multi-Site Innovation Leader

Knowles Corporation; Liberty (SC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowles Corporation in the United States seeks a Director of R&D to lead and grow a multisite engineering team across Liberty, New Bedford, and Mexicali. You will drive custom capacitor product design, meet aggressive lead-times, and ensure manufacturability through DFMA and stage-gate processes.

The role emphasizes collaboration with PLM, Operations, and IT tools like internal DesignBot, while guiding IP strategy and patent submissions to protect innovative designs.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in R&D, with at least 5 years in management.
• Experience in multi-site engineering leadership across Liberty, MA, and Mexicali settings.
• Familiarity with Stage Gate NPD processes and six sigma design concepts.
• Experience developing DFEMA analyses for risk mitigation in product designs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 30-strong engineering team located at Liberty, New Bedford and Mexicali plants.
• Ensure quotes for custom parts meet market lead-times.
• Design custom parts meeting customer/CD specs and manufacturability goals.
• Coordinate with Operations for DFMA and CAD drawing accuracy in weekly meetings.
• Support cost-saving initiatives, scrap reduction, and productivity improvements.
• Oversee IP management including patents for new designs.
• Project manage large orders to meet customer commitments.
• Collaborate with PLM on the 3-year NPI roadmap and new product ideas.

Skills

R&D management

Multi-site engineering management

Capacitor design

Design for manufacturability

Stage Gate NPD processes

DFEMA analysis

IP management / patents

Fast prototyping

Security clearance eligibility

Education

BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Knowles Corporation in the United States seeks a Director of R&D to lead and grow a multisite engineering team across Liberty, New Bedford, and Mexicali. You will drive custom capacitor product design, meet aggressive lead-times, and ensure manufacturability through DFMA and stage-gate processes.

The role emphasizes collaboration with PLM, Operations, and IT tools like internal DesignBot, while guiding IP strategy and patent submissions to protect innovative designs.