Head of Thermal Systems R&D & Innovation

Hayden Industrial; Claremore (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Hayden Industrial in Tulsa, OK is seeking a Director of Research and Development to lead innovation in heat transfer equipment and thermal system technologies. You will drive product roadmap, oversee CFD/FEA modeling and testing, and ensure manufacturability, safety, and regulatory compliance across a multi-site operation with travel between Tulsa and Claremore.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (PhD preferred), 10+ years in thermal design, and 5+ years in leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• PhD preferred.
• PE license preferred.
• 10+ years in thermal system design or heat transfer engineering.
• 5+ years in engineering leadership or R&D management.
• Experience with pressure vessels and thermal system compliance standards.
• Proven success launching engineered industrial products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Lead development of heat exchangers, condensers, radiators, or other thermal systems.
• Oversee thermal modeling, CFD/FEA, and performance testing.
• Approve engineering designs, calculations, specifications, and test protocols.
• Partner with Sales, Applications Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to deliver customer-specific solutions.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, API, TEMA, AHRI, ISO and safety standards.

Job description

Hayden Industrial in Tulsa, OK is seeking a Director of Research and Development to lead innovation in heat transfer equipment and thermal system technologies. You will drive product roadmap, oversee CFD/FEA modeling and testing, and ensure manufacturability, safety, and regulatory compliance across a multi-site operation with travel between Tulsa and Claremore.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (PhD preferred), 10+ years in thermal design, and 5+ years in leadership.