R&D Manager

Curt G. Joa, Inc.; Sheboygan Falls (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Curt G. Joa, Inc. is seeking an R&D Engineering Manager to steer the growth and evolution of our engineering organization. This role combines strategy, innovation, and execution to build strong teams and deliver measurable results.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in engineering with leadership experience, a focus on quality improvements, and the ability to translate bold ideas into tangible outcomes. Domestic and international travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering (MBA preferred).
• 6+ years of engineering experience with leadership exposure.
• Experience leading large teams and change initiatives is desirable.
• Strong communication, both oral and written, and solid analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and communicate strategy within the engineering team to align with company goals.
• Drive continuous quality and process improvements across people, processes, and technology.
• Manage and mentor the engineering talent pool, setting goals and development plans.
• Collaborate with other departments to improve operational efficiency and drive measurable results.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and budget, adjusting priorities as needed.
• Oversee resource planning and prioritization to optimize efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

MBA (preferred)

Tools

SolidEdge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead innovation. Build capability. Drive results.

We're seeking a dynamic and highly visible R&D Engineering Manager to lead the growth and evolution of our engineering organization. This role is for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and execution — someone who can build strong teams, advance cutting‑edge processes, and turn bold ideas into real‑world results.

Job Summary

The R&D Engineering Manager is a bold, high-impact leader at the forefront of innovation and execution. Highly visible and influential, this role accelerates corporate strategy by shaping world‑class engineering talent and continuously evolving processes that drive excellence. The R&D Engineering Manager identifies opportunities, launches transformative initiatives, and leads change that elevates quality, maximizes value, and delivers exceptional customer outcomes. With a strong focus on organizational growth and technical excellence, they turn vision into action and strategy into measurable results.

Job Responsibilities & Essential Functions of the Job

• Drive communication within the team to ensure understanding of the business, alignment to the strategic plan (and their role in achievement of that plan) and other appropriate team communications.
• Provide strategic leadership towards continuous quality improvement of people, processes, technology, and policies among the engineering talent pool.
• Workforce/People Management, including but not limited to:
  • Develop and maintain a high performing organization through recruitment, growth opportunities and retention of team.
  • Evaluate and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineering talent pool.
  • Develop goals for the department and individuals in support of strategic plan.
  • Drive talent development initiatives within department and organization.
  • Evaluate employee performance, compensation, and career development objectives.
  • Mentor experts and leaders within the engineering department utilizing experiential learning.
• Collaborates with other departments and corporate management to improve inter‑department and organizational operational efficiencies.
• Fosters continuous improvement projects targeted toward functional and operational excellence.
• Monitor, control, and report results, progress, and activity per budget allowances and agreed‑upon KPIs.
• Assign and prioritize departmental tasks that ensure an efficient use of resources per budget guidelines.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent practical experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. A master's degree in business (MBA) is preferred.
• 6+ years of previous engineering experience.
• Previous automation experience, desired.
• Ability to adapt to change and adjust priorities accordingly.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in management and/or leadership roles. Experience leading large groups preferred.
• Project management certification preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to present findings in a group setting.
• Strong analytic skills.
• Ability to travel to customer facilities both domestically and internationally.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.) software.
• Knowledge and use of SolidEdge software.

Physical Requirements

• Safety glasses and hearing protection are required while present on the assembly floor.
• Ability to work a full day on a computer.
• Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds in weight.Ability to use hand tools and monitoring/testing equipment.
• Ability to occasionally climb a ladder or maneuver into tight spaces.
• Accommodate (15‑20%) international and domestic travel for company business via driving a car or on an airplane.

• The primary (75%) work area is a typical climate‑controlled office cubicle environment.
• The secondary work area is an assembly floor environment that is loud and without air conditioning.