
Director of Engineering, R&D
Vaco by Highspring, 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
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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
#J-18808-Ljbffr