Manager, R&D

Chromalox; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking a Manager, R&D in Lavergne, TN, to lead a team of engineers focused on medium voltage power control technologies. You will set research priorities, allocate resources, mentor staff, and ensure outputs align with strategic roadmaps.

The role requires guiding multiple projects, coordinating with manufacturing and legal for IP protection, and fostering innovation while ensuring safety and quality in the lab and testing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical/manufacturing/automation preferred).
• 5+ years of related engineering experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Familiar with modeling (3D) software and analytical tools (FEA a bonus).
• Experience with lean design/manufacturing and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Set R&D priorities and timelines; report progress to upper management.
• Align team priorities with business strategy and technical opportunities.
• Design and verify new medium voltage power control equipment.
• Manage portfolios from concept to product realization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to improve manufacturability; protect IP.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

3D modeling

Firmware/Software knowledge

Lean design

Power electronics

PLC

Communication

Global travel

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

3D modeling software

FEA

Job description

Manager, R&D

Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.

At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world's most challenging industrial heating applications.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry.

We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.

Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role:

Research and Development Engineering Manager leads a team of R&D engineers focused on the development and deployment of medium voltage power control technologies. R&D Manager will set research priorities, allocate resources for new product development, mentor/coach R&D engineering team and ensure R&D output aligns with Division and Group business strategy and commercial roadmaps.

This position is located in Lavergne, TN.

Your Responsibilities:

• Set research and development priorities and timelines and provide regular updates to upper management
• Align R&D engineering team priorities with business strategy, competitive landscape and technical opportunity with input from cross-functional commercial and operational teams
• Design and validate new medium voltage power control equipment
• Manages R&D project portfolios from concept through design and verification and into product realization
• Work with manufacturing teams to optimize manufacturability of medium voltage power control products
• Protect IP intellectual property and foster innovation invention culture and work with Legal on patent strategy and protection
• Develops and verifies new designs, processes, and materials. Responsible for the preparation and/or technical review of drawings, specifications, sequences, and other related engineering documentation
• Directs and coordinates manufacturing or building of prototype product or systems
• Work with R&D team to plan and develop experimental test programs and conducts tests and/or witnesses tests as needed to support the validation/certification of products or solutions
• Ability to utilize computer-assisted engineering software and equipment and implement AI tools when appropriate
• Supports training of other functions (Engineering, Operations and Sales) to ensure project successful implementation
• Develop and support laboratory experimentation on new technology discoveries
• Be open to a multi-disciplinary role to participate in group R&D discussions in problem solving
• Ensure laboratory and testing area safety compliance and supporting maintenance of technical equipment, facilities and instruments

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline from a four-year college or university. Preferably mechanical, manufacturing, production or automation engineering.
• 5+ years of related experience and/or training in a related field.
• Ability to manage and collaborate with a team to work on multiple projects at a time.
• Familiar with modeling (3D) software, Firmware or software as appropriate to the position. Understanding of analytical tools (such as FEA) a bonus.
• Lean design and/or lean manufacturing understanding.
• Familiar with manufacturing processes such as industrial equipment manufacturing, sheet steel design, busbar design, control systems, PCB design, materials processing, and manufacturing methods.
• Solid grasp of engineering principles in electric fields, specifically medium voltage, heat transfer, material properties. Understanding of power electronics, PLCs, manufacturing improvements, and automation is a bonus.
• Ability to effectively present information in a clear, concise, and complete manner, and respond to questions from cross functional managers, customers, and other cross functional teams.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding of needs and solutions, and to develop effective plans.
• Ability to travel globally

At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment.

Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.