Director – Mechanical Engineering, Design & Advanced Development

Overview

About the Opportunity: Badger Meter's technology measures and manages water — accurately, reliably, and at scale — for utilities and municipalities across the country.
As Director of Mechanical Engineering, Design & Advanced Development, you will lead the teams that make that possible, setting a technical direction aligned with business strategy, and driving mechanical engineering, product design, and advanced development work.
Responsibilities

Build and develop a high‑performing leadership team across Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Advanced Development, setting clear expectations, coaching managers, and building organizational depth.
Set technical direction that connects to business strategy, translating product roadmap priorities into executable plans across all three disciplines.
Guide Advanced Development to evaluate and pursue emerging technologies that strengthen the product portfolio and long‑term roadmap.
Champion DFM and Design for Automation, leading capital planning for engineering tools, lab equipment, and CAD infrastructure.
Partner with Regulatory Compliance and Quality teams to uphold design quality, PLM discipline, and standards adherence, ensuring seamless development‑to‑production transitions and incorporating regulatory requirements from the start.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar) required; Master's preferred.
12+ years of progressive engineering experience in mechanical design, product development, or related disciplines.
5+ years leading engineering managers and building high‑performing, multi‑functional teams.
Proven track record leading engineering organizations through the full product development lifecycle (concept to production).
Background in flow measurement, fluid handling, water infrastructure, or instrumentation strongly preferred.
Strong command of mechanical design principles, GD&T, CAD tools (CREO or equivalent), and PLM/PDM systems.
Familiarity with DFM and Design for Automation in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with FMEA, design reviews, reliability engineering, and root‑cause analysis.
ERP platform experience (IFS, SAP, or similar).
Working knowledge of water‑industry standards: NSF/ANSI 61 & 372, AWWA, ISO 4064, and PFAS/EPA frameworks preferred.
Understanding of materials science for wetted components — lead‑free brass, polymer compliance, potable water contact preferred.
You are a leader who builds trust across the organization and holds people accountable without micromanaging.
You set a technical direction that others want to follow, and you develop and coach managers to build bench depth.
You connect long‑term technical vision to near‑term execution and collaborate with Electrical, Software, Regulatory, and Operations teams.
You maintain sufficient command across mechanical engineering, design, and advanced development to evaluate work credibly and inspire excellence.
Benefits

Competitive Pay
Annual Bonus Eligible for Annual Pay Increases
Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental Coverage
15 days Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
Two Ways to Save for Retirement: Badger Meter contributes 25 cents for every dollar you contribute to the plan, up to 7% of your eligible compensation, plus an additional 5% contribution to your Defined Contribution account annually.
Access to a certified financial planner at no cost.
Employer‑Paid benefits including Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Basic Group Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and more.
Educational Assistance – Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250.
Voluntary benefits including Additional Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Accident and Critical Illness coverage, Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Badger Meter is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Applicants can learn more about their rights regarding equal opportunity in employment by viewing the federal EEO is the Law poster and the EEO is the Law poster supplement at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm.
Americans with Disabilities Act

Badger Meter complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local disability laws. Qualified employees with a disability will be reasonably accommodated unless accommodation would create an undue hardship.

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