Research & Development Manager
On-siteWausau, Wisconsin, United States
Job Summary
Lead research, design, and development of new residential window and door products while managing improvements, cost reduction, and value engineering initiatives. Oversee design validation, material evaluation, and performance testing to ensure compliance with standards and codes. Manage multiple projects from concept through commercialization, including schedules, budgets, and risk assessments. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, and Sales teams to launch products and support field troubleshooting. Mentor a team of Product Engineers and Designers, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement. Conduct root cause analysis, develop installation documentation, and evaluate new materials with suppliers. Travel minimally to labs and installations as needed for prototype builds and trials.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field
- 7–10+ years of product development or engineering experience
- Preference given to experience within the residential window and door, building products, or fenestration industry
- 3–5 years of leadership or management experience
- Experience with APQP and/or stage-gate product development processes
- Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor
- Understanding of thermal analysis, structural analysis, and product testing methods
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Familiarity with extrusion design, tooling, and profile optimization
- Experience with ERP/PLM systems
- End-to-end product ownership
- Structured problem solving and root cause analysis
- Detail-oriented documentation and change management
- Customer- and market-focused design mindset
- Ability to balance innovation, performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor work
- Minimal (< 10%) travel to suppliers, test labs, or initial product installations
- Ability to support hands-on prototype builds and production trials
Desired Qualifications
- Experience within the residential window and door, building products, or fenestration industry
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