R&D Engineering ManagerJob Description
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Job Title: R&D Engineering Manager
Location: Hybrid/On-site
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced R&D Engineering Manager to lead our product development initiatives and drive technical innovation. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on engineering expertise to guide cross-functional teams through the complete product development lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering successful R&D projects while mentoring and developing engineering talent.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of R&D engineers in product development initiatives
- Define technical strategy and roadmap for new product development
- Oversee research, design, prototyping, and testing processes
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align R&D efforts with business objectives
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation
- Drive innovation and technical excellence across engineering teams
- Establish best practices for product development and testing
- Create and maintain technical documentation and specifications
- Evaluate new technologies and methodologies for potential adoption
- Present technical proposals and progress reports to senior management
Perks:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development and training opportunities
- State-of-the-art R&D facilities and equipment
- Patent bonus program for innovations
- Flexible work arrangements
R&D Engineering Manager Responsibilities
Hiring a r&d engineering manager? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Develop and execute R&D strategy aligned with business objectives
- Lead technical design reviews and validate engineering solutions
- Manage resource allocation and development timelines
- Foster innovation culture and drive continuous improvement
- Oversee prototype development and testing procedures
- Build and maintain relationships with external research partners
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Guide intellectual property protection strategies
Qualifications to Be a R&D Engineering Manager
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Master's degree in Engineering or related technical field8+ years of engineering experience with 3+ years in managementProven track record of successful R&D project deliveryExperience with product development lifecycle managementStrong background in engineering design and analysisR&D Engineering Manager Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Demonstrated team leadership and mentoring abilitiesKnowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirementsExperience with budget management and resource planningStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesExcellent communication and presentation skillsR&D Engineering Manager Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Engineering Design: CAD/CAM tools, simulation softwareProject Management: Agile methodologies, risk managementData Analysis: Statistical analysis, experimental designProgramming: Python, MATLAB, C++Systems Engineering: Requirements analysis, system architectureProduct Development: Prototyping, testing methodologiesDocumentation: Technical writing, specification developmentQuality Control: Six Sigma, ISO standardsR&D Engineering Manager Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Strategic LeadershipTeam ManagementCommunicationProblem-solvingDecision-makingConflict ResolutionTime ManagementStakeholder ManagementR&D Engineering Manager Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$85k – $110k
Common Titles
Junior R&D Engineering Manager, Associate R&D Engineering Manager
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$110k – $150k
Common Titles
R&D Engineering Manager, R&D Engineering Manager II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$150k – $225k
Common Titles
Senior R&D Engineering Manager, Lead R&D Engineering Manager
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout R&D Engineering Manager Hiring
R&D Engineering Managers focus on innovation and new technology development, while Product Engineering Managers concentrate on existing product improvements and manufacturing support. R&D managers typically have more freedom to explore experimental solutions.
Request detailed examples of innovative projects they've led and their outcomes. Have candidates present a mock R&D strategy for a specific technical challenge to evaluate their approach to innovation and problem-solving.
For R&D Engineering Manager roles, strong technical expertise should take precedence as they need to guide complex research projects. Management skills can be developed, but deep technical knowledge is crucial for driving innovation.
Watch for candidates who can't provide concrete examples of research outcomes, lack patents or publications, or show limited experience with experimental methodologies. Poor communication skills are also a major concern.
The optimal team size is typically 5-8 direct reports. This allows the manager to maintain hands-on involvement in technical work while effectively managing team dynamics and individual development.
Tools and Programs R&D Engineering Manager Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
Design Software
SolidWorks•AutoCAD
Project Management
Jira•Microsoft Project
Analysis Tools
MATLAB•LabVIEW
Documentation
Confluence•SharePoint
Collaboration
Microsoft Teams•Slack
Version Control
Git•SVN
Testing Tools
TestRail•JUnit
Prototyping
3D printers•CNC machines
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