R&D Manager (Project Engineering and Testing)

KUBOTA Corporation; Grapevine (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kubota Corporation seeks a Manager, R&D - PEaT to lead engineering support, testing, and integration for the NAR1 R&D initiatives. You will drive development projects, oversee Project Engineers, and manage validation tests, prototyping, and supplier collaborations.

You will contribute to systems engineering, documentation, and roadmaps, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering high-quality technology solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of engineering or related technical experience.
• Prior management, team, or project leadership experience required.
• Experience in Agriculture or Construction industries is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Gather and document test plans and requirements for verification and validation strategies.
• Lead project teams and organize resources for testing regimes.
• Ensure process control and discipline over engineering tests and QA functions.
• Develop mechanical, electrical, and software systems for machine automation and cloud connectivity.
• Support systems engineering practices across subsystems and verification activities.
• Manage and mentor Project Engineers and collaborate with vendors and partners.

Skills

Project leadership

Engineering experience

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / CS / IS / related fields

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

BASIC PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

The Manager, R&D - PEaT will provide engineering support, research, documentation, integration and validation for the Kubota NAR1 department and its R&D initiatives. This position will oversee Project Engineers and be responsible for driving technology product development projects. The Manager, R&D will perform tasks of system wide functional tests, internal and customer validation tests, developing testing plans/requirements, design contribution, systems engineering, prototyping, component sourcing and integration, documentation, vendor, and research partner management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does the following in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws / regulations and the Company’s policies, procedures and guidelines:

• Gather and document test plans and test requirements and create integration proposals for system verification and validation strategies that align with NAR R&D project and business goals.
• Execute test plans in a systematic manner, in isolation or within a larger testing team, as required by the project.
• Lead project teams and organize the resources needed to plan and perform right‑sized testing regimes based on project scope, risk tolerance, and business exposure metrics.
• Maintain process control and discipline over engineering tests and QA functions to ensure smooth passage through product development stage gates.
• Lead a project team in the development of mechanical, electrical, and software systems related to machine automation, cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, sensor integration, and machine control.
• Apply systems engineering practices across integrated subsystems, including support for requirement generation, interface control, and the development of verification and validation test methods with requirements‑to‑test traceability.
• Support the integration and administration of engineering systems and digital toolchains, such as requirements management, test data acquisition, and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools, to improve requirement quality, traceability, and verification and validation reporting across projects.
• Develop and integrate basic software programs and scripts for prototyping and testing.
• Document testing outcomes and maintain the related technical project documentation using project‑approved documentation and tracking tools.
• Create demonstrations and presentations on project status and technical findings for all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
• Manage and mentor Project Engineers, including work assignments, technical development, and performance management.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and research partners to assess and develop technology that accelerates development and delivers the appropriate level of quality.
• Support the development of integrated technology roadmaps for assigned technology areas, including verification and validation milestones, and assess and report execution risks with recommended mitigation plans.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the standards and regulations used in our industry that are pertinent to assigned technology areas and apply them to requirement generation and test planning.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related fields required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering or related technical fields
• Prior management, team, or project leadership experience required.
• Experience in Agriculture or Construction industries preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks and duties as outlined above.
• Prototype agriculture, construction, and turf machinery as required during testing activities.
• Electrical and software diagnostic tools to debug and troubleshoot prototype systems.
• Shop/Power tools and fabrication equipment.
• Exposure to outdoor work, standing, walking, lifting, etc. may be required during work activity

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in the description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within the classification. This description is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job/classification. This job is intended to include the current essential functions of the job. Management reserves the right to add or modify the duties and responsibilities and to designate other functions as essential at any time.