New Product Development Engineering Manager

Company / Location Information

Water technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and, as a leading global water technology company, A. O. Smith Corporation is at the center of the trend. Founded in 1874, we are a $4 billion company that employs more than 12,000 men and women. With manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, and Europe, A. O. Smith has the global reach to serve customers worldwide. We have sales and distribution in more than 60 countries around the world. A. O. Smith is committed to continuous improvement, not just in its factories and its processes, but in its people. We value people who are able to analyze problems and take rapid, decisive action.

What is great about this opportunity?

• You will be joining a stable, but growing organization committed to strong financial performance, strategic acquisitions, global expansion and the highest ethical standards of conduct.
• You will be representing a company that makes products that improve quality of life and are considered top of the line.
• You will be joining a cohesive team that believes in the goals we share and supports each other in accomplishing our shared goals

Primary Function

The NPD Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of new product development, utilizing the various available product development resources including NAWT Engineering personnel, designers, tool makers, and manufacturing to achieve the project objectives. This person will coordinate with cross-functional support teams in the planning, organization, implementation, and completion of product lifecycle activities.

This person also supervises activities and resources within the New Product Development group to ensure support is provided to deliver the NPD roadmap. Specifically, the NPD Manager coordinates with CTC (Corporate Technology Center), OEM Partners, Product Management, and/or Manufacturing to facilitate research, development, and/or product process improvements and enhancements to support business needs. Additionally, this position provides technical guidance to development projects as required and directed by the North American Water Treatment Engineering Director.

Responsibilities

• Leads teams in the development of new products, solutions, and processes.
• Provide leadership for the assessment and evaluation of proposed design changes, specification, and drawing releases, and make recommendations.
• Secures the resources needed for teams to excel, including researching and proposing capital investments.
• Advocates on behalf of team members by securing adequate resources for success.
• Ensure that direct reports are performing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing potential staff candidates for the purposes of hiring, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Support engineering functions for a product or product family from design through production.
• Complete engineering assignments requiring a broad knowledge in an engineering specialty.
• Develop and apply engineering standards and procedures and provide advice on issues within the engineering field.
• Review product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements, and related specifications
• Strives to improve efficiency and sustainability of processes and product designs, and to reduce waste.
• Assures that processes meet quality and safety compliance guidelines.
• Provide occasional support to manufacturing and acquire familiarity with manufacturing operations.
• Collaborates with other team leaders and departments.
• Communicates technical information to non-technical stakeholders, including investors and potential customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering related field - preferably Mechanical
• 5-7 years relevant work experience
• 3 years of Management or Leadership experience
• Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA a plus
• Personnel and project management skills
• Leadership, teambuilding, and mentoring skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Flexible thinking, including the ability to pivot and try new approaches when faced with challenges
• Organizational, planning, and documentation skills
• Proficiency using presentation software to explain complex information to non-technical management personnel and other stakeholders
• Ability to work on multiple projects in various stages simultaneously
• Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) platforms
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical articles

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.