Innovation Engineering Manager

Job Function:

Research

Location:

US, IL, Bolingbrook

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Research Manager

Reporting to the Global Research Director, this position will be responsible for managing the research team in G&W Bolingbrook, conducting research, designs and tests for new product concepts and technologies, and transferring technology to the new product development group.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing the BBK Research department:
  • Communicate to team members the direction on strategic vision and develop/drive departmental goals that support short and long-term plans.
  • Provide engineers with technical guidance, focused on continually improving development.
  • Responsible for coordinating resources within the group to be in line with workload and schedule commitments on projects.
  • Perform technology feasibility studies, both paper and prototypes.
  • Applies research theories, principles and models when conducting experiments and research activities.
  • Create conceptual designs and Design, Build and Test prototypes.
  • Assist in developing and executing the G&W Product Research strategic plan and budget.
  • Oversee construction and testing of prototype components or assemblies as required in the development and approval process of new technologies.
  • Responsible for ensuring sample testing is in line with the test plan and meets or exceeds G&W requirements.
  • Responsible for proactively identifying and mitigating risks to the research project
• Participate in industry organizations (associations, standards committees, etc) to stay informed of and to influence industry activities.
  • Participate to and coordinate team contribution to standard body national and international committees and promoted events, such as IEC, IEEE, CIGRE organizations.
  • Participate and coordinate team contribution to university and third parties research organization collaboration and contracts, defining research content and ensuring agreed schedule and deliverables fulfillment.
  • Promote G&W presence and brand visibility in standard body, academic and publication venues.
• Provide Research support to Sales/Marketing on new technologies and processes.
• Work with third party vendors and/or partners to develop new technologies for high quality, lowest cost design options.
  • Interface with purchasing and vendors in the selection and approval of component parts and assemblies.
  • Supports NPD in selecting and validating suppliers and vendors during NPD implementation of new technologies.
• Provides support and coaching during transfer of new technologies to NPD team and projects.
• Develop direct reports’ work skills to improve research quality and result performances. Work with individuals regarding company competencies and personal growth plans.
  • Responsible for rating performance of subordinates against job requirements, established goals, and company competencies.
  • Provide support and direction to research team members such Project Engineers, Designers, and Technicians.
  • Encourage innovative thought processes and “out of the box” thinking for innovative technologies, design principles and processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters or PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred
• 10+ years progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development of High Voltage Equipment, including:
  • Leading highly technical and innovative projects. Desire to be constantly challenged with new problems
  • Project management, team management, root-cause analysis and computer analysis programs
  • Medium/high voltage sensor design and application in power systems
  • Leading and reviewing DFMEA, PFMEA, and PPAP process and documents
  • Leading development projects within a Stage Gate Process
• Strong technical knowledge in the following categories per discipline:
  • High Voltage: insulation materials, dielectrics, partial discharge
  • High Power: current interrupting, switching operations
  • Mechanical: Molded Components and processes, metal fabricated parts.
  • Electrical: Current and Voltage Sensors, Power Systems (Protection, System Analysis, and System Fault Response)
• Strong understanding of FEA and leading capability of design analysis and interpretation
• Demonstrated ability to write/edit technical documents; test reports, engineering standards, industry technical papers.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
• Ability to read, understand and apply knowledge from technical white papers
• Ability to read and interpret technical standards
• Communicates effectively
• Ability to use small hand and power tools
• Decision-making skills based on risk assessment
• Possesses a wide degree of creativity as well as a high degree of initiative and the drive to learn new methodologies
• Ability to travel within and outside USA.
• Wide degree of creativity
• High degree of initiative to finish tasks on time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference for published author and/or involvement in industry publications.
• The ideal candidate will have a history of creativity, innovation, and initiative. A self-starter driven at learn new methodologies.

Why join us? G&W enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!

G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor