Director of Research and Development

About the role

Voltage is seeking an experienced Director of Research & Development to lead product innovation and engineering development initiatives across our growing manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the company’s R&D strategy and product development roadmap.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and innovation opportunities.
• Drive development of new products from concept through prototyping, validation, and commercialization.
• Oversee new product introduction (NPI) and stage-gate development processes.
• Ensure products meet performance, reliability, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to ensure smooth transition into production.
• Manage R&D operations including project prioritization, budgets, resources, and timelines.
• Establish and monitor R&D KPIs, milestones, and development performance metrics.
• Improve speed-to-market, development efficiency, and execution discipline.
• Drive value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Engineering.
• Support customer-driven product solutions and technical engagements.
• Build and develop high-performing R&D and engineering teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, testing requirements, and quality expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Product Development, or related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering or product development experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing R&D or engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading new product development from concept through commercialization.
• Experience in manufacturing, renewable energy, electrical products, or industrial technology environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle and stage-gate methodologies.
• Experience with testing, validation, and product reliability principles.
• Proven project and portfolio management experience.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget and resource planning.
• Experience with ERP/PLM systems (SAP preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Additional benefits may be available based on location and employment type.

Pay

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• Full-time | Exempt