Director of Research and Development
About the role
Hayden Industrial, a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an experienced Director of Research and Development reporting to our Tulsa, OK facility. The Director of Research and Development will be responsible for the innovation, design, and advancement of heat transfer equipment and thermal system technologies. This role is responsible for developing new products, improving existing designs, and ensuring the company remains competitive in performance, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position has supervisory responsibilities. The job is based in a manufacturing environment with a combination of office and plant‑floor responsibilities, requiring standard office equipment and, when on the plant floor, personal protective equipment including hearing protection, safety glasses with side shields, and OSHA‑compliant safety boots/shoes. Physical demands include regular standing, walking, reaching, ascending/descending ladders, bending, kneeling, stooping, and occasional lifting/moving of up to 50 pounds; vision requirements cover close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and focus adjustment.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company growth objectives. Identify emerging thermal technologies, materials, and industry trends. Drive product roadmap planning and lifecycle management. Evaluate new market opportunities (energy efficiency, electrification, sustainability).
- Product Development & Innovation: Lead development of heat exchangers, condensers, radiators, or other thermal systems. Oversee thermal modeling, simulation (CFD/FEA), and performance testing. Improve heat transfer efficiency, durability, manufacturability, and cost structure. Approve engineering designs, calculations, specifications