R&D Engineering Manager

Michael Page; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) benefits

Competitive compensation

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

MPI in Irvine, CA seeks an experienced R&D Engineering Manager to lead research and development activities for next-generation products. You will partner with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Engineering to translate customer needs into robust engineering plans and roadmaps.

The role requires strong leadership, hands-on prototyping and testing oversight, and a track record of delivering projects from concept to market with a focus on performance, quality, and cost

Qualifications

• Experience leading R&D engineering work.
• Experience coordinating engineering and manufacturing activities.
• Ability to set technical priorities and manage multiple development projects.
• Experience reviewing technical progress and resolving engineering issues.
• Ability to translate business needs into clear engineering plans.
• Experience developing products in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development initiatives for new products and technologies.
• Translate market insights into viable product concepts and roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Product, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, verification, validation, and launch activities.
• Guide projects from concept through commercialization with cost and quality objectives.
• Foster technical excellence and implement best practices across teams.

Skills

RD leadership

Engineering coordination

Prioritization

Engineering planning

Project milestones

Cross-functional leadership

Technical communication

Manufacturing experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Drive Innovation And Technology Development

Lead research and development initiatives focused on new products, technologies, and engineering capabilities. Identify emerging industry trends, customer needs, and market opportunities to guide future product development. Develop innovation roadmaps that align with business objectives and long-term growth strategies.

Convert Insights Into Commercial Solutions

Translate customer requirements, market intelligence, and technical discoveries into viable product concepts. Evaluate new technologies, materials, and processes that can improve product performance and create competitive advantages. Guide projects from initial concept through development, validation, and commercial launch.

Collaborate Across Functions

Partner with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to define product requirements and development priorities. Work closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment between innovation efforts and business goals. Communicate project progress, technical findings, and strategic recommendations to leadership teams.

Research Market Opportunities

Engage directly with customers and industry partners to understand current and future needs. Participate in industry events, conferences, trade shows, and technical forums to gather market insights and identify emerging opportunities. Monitor competitive activity and industry developments to support strategic planning.

Lead Product Development Activities

Oversee prototyping, engineering analysis, testing, verification, and validation activities. Drive technical problem-solving throughout the product development lifecycle. Ensure projects progress efficiently from concept to implementation while meeting performance, quality, and cost objectives.

Champion Technical Excellence

Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams and project stakeholders. Support the development of new processes, capabilities, and best practices that enhance organizational performance.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. The company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

The Successful Applicant

A successful R&D Engineering Manager should have:

• Experience leading research and development engineering work.
• Experience coordinating engineering and manufacturing activities.
• Ability to set technical priorities and manage multiple development projects.
• Experience reviewing technical progress and resolving engineering issues.
• Ability to translate business needs into clear engineering plans.
• Experience tracking project milestones, decisions, and development outcomes.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in research and development, product development, innovation engineering, or advanced technology development.
• Experience developing electromechanical, mechanical, electronic, or technology-based products.
• Demonstrated success identifying market opportunities and translating insights into product concepts and innovation strategies.
• Experience with prototyping, engineering analysis, design verification, validation testing, and product commercialisation.
• Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, customers, and executive stakeholders.
• Experience developing products in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience working closely with customers to gather requirements and drive innovation initiatives.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management, design-for-manufacturing principles, and commercial product development processes.
• Experience developing technology roadmaps and long-range innovation strategies.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and market trend analysis.

What's On Offer

• Permanent R&D Engineering Manager position in Irvine, CA.
• Salary of $130,000 to $150,000.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Lead the development of next-generation products and technologies.
• Influence strategic innovation initiatives with visible impact on business growth.
• Work closely with cross-functional leadership teams and customers.
• Join a collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package with opportunities for professional growth.