Director of Engineering, R&D
Vaco, Memphis, TN, United States
Location:
Memphis, TN (Hybrid - in office Tuesday-Thursday) Compensation:
$140,000-$160,000 base + 15% bonus | Relocation available
About the Role We're seeking a
Director of Engineering, Research & Development
to lead innovation and technology development for a global, market‑leading consumer products company headquartered in Memphis. This is a high‑impact leadership role overseeing advanced electromechanical product development, with a strong emphasis on
air movement, motor and controls, electronics, and connected/IoT platforms .
This position is ideal for an engineering leader who thrives in a
hands‑on manufacturing environment , enjoys building and leading high‑performing technical teams, and is motivated by bringing new products from concept through launch.
What You’ll Do
Provide
technical and people leadership
for Residential and Commercial R&D engineering teams
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of ~7 engineers spanning
controls, motors, electronics, mechanical design, and program management
Drive innovation across
electronic controls, motors, lighting systems, mechanical designs, and connected (IoT) platforms
Guide product strategy and technology roadmaps from concept through commercialization
Oversee R&D budgets, capital investment, and resource planning
Ensure products meet
quality, safety, reliability, cost, and schedule
objectives
Deliver regular technology updates and reviews to senior leadership
Partner cross‑functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, and global suppliers
Lead global manufacturing initiatives and collaborate with international engineering and supplier partners
Mentor and develop engineering talent, strengthening technical depth and leadership bench strength
What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical acceptable)
10+ years of engineering experience
in manufacturing environments
5+ years of people management experience
leading engineering teams
Strong background in
electronics and electromechanical systems , including:
Motor and controls
Electronic hardware and embedded systems
Proven experience in
new product development
from concept through production
Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision‑making skills
Highly Preferred Experience
Consumer products manufacturing , especially
air movement / circulation products
Experience with
IoT and connected products
(Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, mobile app integration)
Software‑hardware integration for product control and monitoring
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
Exposure to global manufacturing and international engineering teams
EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice We believe that the salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
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Memphis, TN (Hybrid - in office Tuesday-Thursday) Compensation:
$140,000-$160,000 base + 15% bonus | Relocation available
About the Role We're seeking a
Director of Engineering, Research & Development
to lead innovation and technology development for a global, market‑leading consumer products company headquartered in Memphis. This is a high‑impact leadership role overseeing advanced electromechanical product development, with a strong emphasis on
air movement, motor and controls, electronics, and connected/IoT platforms .
This position is ideal for an engineering leader who thrives in a
hands‑on manufacturing environment , enjoys building and leading high‑performing technical teams, and is motivated by bringing new products from concept through launch.
What You’ll Do
Provide
technical and people leadership
for Residential and Commercial R&D engineering teams
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of ~7 engineers spanning
controls, motors, electronics, mechanical design, and program management
Drive innovation across
electronic controls, motors, lighting systems, mechanical designs, and connected (IoT) platforms
Guide product strategy and technology roadmaps from concept through commercialization
Oversee R&D budgets, capital investment, and resource planning
Ensure products meet
quality, safety, reliability, cost, and schedule
objectives
Deliver regular technology updates and reviews to senior leadership
Partner cross‑functionally with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, and global suppliers
Lead global manufacturing initiatives and collaborate with international engineering and supplier partners
Mentor and develop engineering talent, strengthening technical depth and leadership bench strength
What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical acceptable)
10+ years of engineering experience
in manufacturing environments
5+ years of people management experience
leading engineering teams
Strong background in
electronics and electromechanical systems , including:
Motor and controls
Electronic hardware and embedded systems
Proven experience in
new product development
from concept through production
Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision‑making skills
Highly Preferred Experience
Consumer products manufacturing , especially
air movement / circulation products
Experience with
IoT and connected products
(Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, mobile app integration)
Software‑hardware integration for product control and monitoring
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
Exposure to global manufacturing and international engineering teams
EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice We believe that the salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
#J-18808-Ljbffr