Director of Product Engineering

OMAX Corporation is the leading provider of precision-engineered abrasive waterjet systems for use in the manufacturing environment. If your desire is to work with leading innovators and experts in the abrasive waterjet industry or work for a rapidly growing company that fosters an environment that promotes teamwork and creativity, consider OMAX. The capabilities of our machines consistently evolve to meet the diverse and changing needs of the manufacturing industry and if you are looking to join a team of brilliant minds, who are dedicated to excellence, contact OMAX. The Director of Product Engineering owns the overall product development life cycle, taking concepts and ideas through a comprehensive process leading to effective product launches. The position provides leadership and direction to others in the new product development process so as to provide the company with competitive advantages and enhance the company's business strategy. Duties and Responsibilities: Oversee the new product development process: • Works to refine/develop the Company's product innovation and technology strategy and areas of strategic focus • In collaboration with marketing and executive management, direct the screening of initial new product requests from customers, field sales or marketing • Manage the prioritization of all new product development initiatives (custom products, OMAX new product initiatives, line extensions or break-through products) working with sales, marketing and executive management • In partnership with executive management, conduct ongoing assessment of product development opportunities to ensure those with the highest strategic and commercial potential are prioritized; provide business case justification for product support or abandonment • Direct and oversee the product design team and coordinate with manufacturing engineering, ensuring these functions collaborate effectively with sales, marketing and manufacturing as needed in partnership with executive management • Direct the activities of the project management teams; such team activities include: - Develop and manage budgets for projects - Manage and report timelines and key milestones of individual projects - Work to exceed customer's expectations in the delivery of costing/pricing, designs and prototypes - Ensure that the new product innovation process from inception to completion is streamlined and focused • Lead regular project review meetings to ensure proper balance in consensus on priorities • Coordinate preparation of all product requests, related profitability and return on investment analysis • Perform regular "post mortem" evaluations in partnership with executive management to ensure constant improvement and refinement of process, resources and deliverables Provide Technology Leadership: • Keep up-to-date on new technologies that may have an application in the waterjet industry • Identify and evaluate opportunities to expand OMAX's product offerings through new materials or technologies • Research, identify and evaluate companies possessing new materials or technologies that OMAX may seek to acquire or initiate an alliance with • Direct team to provide technical support and assistance throughout the organization to troubleshoot and ensure efficient production and the maximum possible throughput • Support the effort in partnership with executive management to evaluate and enhance key growth technologies for OMAX Provide Team Leadership: • Hire, direct and provide performance feedback to direct reports • Establish an environment which motivates and engages talent in the Engineering Department to achieve desired results • Coach and mentor direct reports and other key staff in the Engineering department • Create an environment which supports the ongoing training and development of all staff within the  Engineering department • Foster a positive work environment through open and ongoing communication; maintain an atmosphere of teamwork for staff within the Engineering Department as well as those key customers & contacts inside and outside of the company Qualifications: Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Results orientation; high levels of personal initiative, energy and ownership for success • Inquisitive mind; actively keeps up-to-date on new and developing technologies inside and outside the industry • Strong business keenness of judgment or insight with deep expertise in new product development disciplines • Strong team leadership and team facilitation skills; ability to work well across teams and in a matrix organization • Strong service ethic; understands and embraces service relationship with internal and external customers; highly collaborative work style • Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work equally well with peers, superiors, and subordinates • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment • Strong project management skills; well organized; able to oversee multiple projects at a detailed level in various stages of progress • Demonstrated ability to develop creative business solutions; good judgment and decision making process Required Education & Experience: • BS degree, in an engineering discipline such as Electrical or Mechanical; MBA or equivalent experience preferred • 15 years of progressively responsible work experience with last 10 being in product development disciplines • 5+ years managing a large Engineering Staff; successfully able to manage Managers • Experience in project management and team facilitation • Familiar with manufacturing processes including MRP calculations and the Engineering support data required • Intimately familiar with the implementation of new product development processes • Proven track record in new product development and launch • Design experience with SolidWorks • Experience working with AutoCAD, ANSYS and Microsoft Office Suite OMAX Corporation offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k) Plan. Only qualified applicants will be contacted; must be able to work for any company within the United States.