Global Research & Development Manager

Location: Open
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Engineered Equipment

Position Overview

A growing industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking an experienced Global Research & Development Manager to lead product innovation, engineering development, and the advancement of thermal management technologies.

This leadership position will oversee the development of new products, improvement of existing designs, and execution of strategic R&D initiatives. The successful candidate will combine advanced technical expertise in heat transfer and mechanical engineering with proven experience managing engineering teams, product development programs, and cross-functional projects.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development Leadership

• Develop and execute R&D strategies aligned with organizational growth objectives.
• Lead engineering research, product innovation, and technology development initiatives.
• Identify emerging technologies, materials, and market trends that create opportunities for product advancement.
• Establish product development priorities, technical roadmaps, and performance objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to engineering and product development teams.
• Oversee multiple development projects while ensuring timelines, budgets, and technical requirements are met.

Product Development & Engineering

• Direct the design and development of industrial heat transfer equipment, cooling systems, and engineered mechanical products.
• Oversee thermal modeling, engineering calculations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and product performance testing.
• Lead initiatives to improve product efficiency, reliability, durability, and manufacturability.
• Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, calculations, and testing procedures.
• Guide new product development from concept and prototyping through validation and production.
• Evaluate opportunities for product optimization, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales and Applications Engineering to develop customer-specific technical solutions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure products are designed for efficient production and assembly.
• Work with Supply Chain and Purchasing on material selection, supplier qualification, and component sourcing.
• Support Quality and Field Service teams in resolving technical and product performance issues.
• Coordinate engineering initiatives across departments and locations as needed.

Compliance & Technical Standards

• Ensure engineering designs and products comply with applicable industry codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of ASME, API, TEMA, AHRI, ISO, and other relevant standards.
• Oversee technical evaluations related to pressure vessels, thermal systems, product safety, and certification.
• Support environmental compliance and energy efficiency initiatives.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage research and development budgets.
• Allocate engineering resources across multiple product development initiatives.
• Evaluate project feasibility, technical risks, and return on investment.
• Establish performance metrics to measure engineering productivity, innovation, and product development success.
• Mentor and develop engineering personnel while promoting technical excellence and accountability.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in thermal system design, heat transfer equipment, or industrial mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership, research and development management, or technical team supervision.
• Strong technical expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical system design.
• Experience with pressure vessels and applicable thermal system compliance standards.
• Demonstrated success developing and launching engineered industrial products.
• Experience utilizing CFD, FEA, and engineering simulation tools.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including welding, brazing, machining, and fabrication.
• Excellent leadership, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with heat exchangers, industrial cooling equipment, condensers, radiators, or related thermal management systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex product development programs.
• Knowledge of ASME, API, TEMA, AHRI, and ISO standards.
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI), product lifecycle management, and design for manufacturability.
• Experience supporting engineering activities across multiple facilities or international locations.
• Background in industrial OEM manufacturing, energy, power generation, or thermal equipment applications.

Work Environment

• Combination of engineering office and manufacturing environments.
• Regular collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership teams.
• Travel required based on business and project needs.
• Occasional additional hours may be necessary to support project deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Leadership role with significant influence over product innovation and engineering strategy

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LI-ST1