Manager of New Product Development

Ultralife Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultralife Corporation in Newark, NY, seeks a seasoned leader to head the New Product Development department, guiding engineers and project managers from concept through production. You will drive end-to-end product realization, manage cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure on-time delivery.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in engineering management, strong hands-on engineering background, and experience with ISO 13485/9001 and related standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering management leadership experience.
• Background in power systems, power distribution networks, batteries or power supplies is preferred.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and firmware/software design processes and interdependencies.
• Experience in medical device industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with transitioning products to high-volume production.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with ISO 13485 and ISO 9001; familiarity with IEC, UL, CE, TSO, and Military standards is a plus.
• Knowledge of Lean principles in manufacturing and product development.
• Strong program management background with related processes and tools.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Self-motivated with ownership mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of product development from concept through production.
• Own planning and execution of product realization processes per ISO frameworks.
• Develop department budgets and provide detailed monthly program reviews.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and leadership for a strategic NPD roadmap.
• Develop proposals, reports, and maintain relationships with customers; serve as escalation point for engineers.
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop staff to build a high-performing team.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet department objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Project Management

Communication

Multitasking

Problem-Solving

Lean Methodology

Organizational Skills

Ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/related field

Job description

Job Description

Ultralife Corporation is a leading provider of advanced, highest quality products and services ranging from power solutions to communications and electronics systems to customers across the globe in the government & defense, medical, safety & security, energy, industrial and robotics sectors.

We are a global business with strategic locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, ideally positioned to service global customers.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced leader to manage our New Product Development (NPD) department in Newark, NY, overseeing the team of multidisciplinary engineers and project managers. In this role, you will drive the end-to-end product development cycle, from initial concept through production, and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, practical & hands‑on engineering expertise, proven project management skills, and a drive to getting things done.

Essential Responsibilities

Primary – responsibilities as primary drivers of the position:

• Product Development Management: Day-to-day management all phases of product development & engineering tasks, including requirements definition, hardware/software/firmware development, testing, validation, and production transition.
• Process Ownership & Improvement: Own the planning and execution of product realization processes and ensure compliance with ISO New Product Development processes. Drive and execute Continuous Improvement. Be biased towards action. Seek out areas to improve and implement them
• Financial and Program Management: Play a key role in developing department budgets, tracking costs, and providing detailed monthly program reviews.
• Internal Collaboration: Collaborate with sales, operations, and executive leadership to execute a strategic roadmap for new product development, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Customer Interaction: Develop proposals, reports, and maintain strong relationships with current and potential customers, by being escalation point of contact for engineers.
• Team Management & Development: Hire, train, mentor, and develop staff, identifying growth opportunities and addressing training needs to build a high-performing team.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned to meet the department’s objectives.

Education / Training / Skills / Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Engineering Management at a leadership level.
• Industry Experience: Preferred background in power systems, power distribution networks, batteries (rechargeable or primary), power supplies, or battery charging systems.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and firmware/software design processes and tools and interdependencies between these disciplines
• Medical Device Knowledge: Experience in the medical device industry is preferred.
• Production Transition: Familiarity with the challenges and considerations related to transitioning products to high volume production.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Team Development: Proven ability to build, motivate, and sustain high-performing teams to meet demanding schedules, technical goals, and budget targets.
• Industry Standards: Experience designing products in accordance with ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 standards. Familiarity with IEC, UL, CE, TSO, and Military standards is a plus.
• Lean Methodology: Understanding of Lean principles in both manufacturing and product development processes.
• Program Management: Strong background in program management, with proficiency in related processes and tools.
• Organizational and Leadership Skills: Demonstrated expertise in organizational planning, creativity, and leadership.
• Multitasking: Expert ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously while maintaining focus on priorities.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in addressing complex technical challenges.
• Personal Attributes: Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership, initiative, passion, and a positive attitude.

Physical Requirements

Position is sedentary in nature. Must have the ability to utilize a computer and other office equipment. Must have the ability to work in the plant operations areas.

Periodic travel in support of New Product Development as needed.

The wage range for this role considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position described above and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Ultralife Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 315- 332-7100