R&D Manager

Oetiker provides customers with the peace of mind
that their mission-critical components are reliably
connected. We are a global leader in high-end
connecting solutions for the vehicle industry and for
high-value applications in industrial segments. Our
expertise in high-quality clamps, rings, straps and
quick-connectors ranges from powertrain and
drivetrain applications to medical applications. We
offer engineering, prototyping and testing support to
quickly create comprehensive solutions for
overcoming clamping and connecting challenges.
With 1800+ employees in more than 30 countries
and over 75 years of experience, we are the trusted,
global, long-term partner for the world’s leading
OEMs.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000

Position Summary

Responsible for the R&D Center of Competence of the Metallic Quick Connectors. This is an end-to-end responsibility from ideation to product launch with the task to fulfill ambitious time-to-market, quality and cost deliverables. This role demands a high degree of competence and confidence in providing strategical thinking, leadership and making decisions that directly and significantly impact the overall success of the business.

Essential Functions 

• Head Center of Competence (CoC) for Metal Quick Connectors (MQC)
• Deliver state-of-the-art R&D team performance based on analytical and hands-on engineering

and high performance

• Develop and execute R&D roadmap that drives growth, identifies new market opportunities, and aligns with corporate strategy
• Oversees project execution while meeting quality, cost, and time (QCT) deliverables
• Responsible for MQC Test Center & Prototyping and Standard and Systems, including compliance with industry regulations.
• Manage R&D budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure R&D projects are completed within timeline and cost constraint
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders (Application Center, Production, Marketing, Quality) and bridge technical and commercial teams by working closely with marketing and sales
• Enhance time-to-market developments and customer satisfaction while ensuring reliable, high quality and innovative solutions. Quality starts at R&D!

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Proven drive (energy, determination, motivation) and a can-do mentality in the area of automotive engineering
• Excellent leadership, communication skills paired with strong innovative thinking
• Strong task management skills with relevant experience in new product development
• Exceptional understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all levels and all functions of the organization
• Proactive problem solver, coach mentality, able to constructively challenge
• Required Travel: 15 – 30 %

Education / Experience

• 6+ years R&D Management experience, preferably in Automotive or in a high-mix/high-volume OEM environment.
• 3+ years demonstrable experience of strategic R&D management in an international OEM
• Degree in Engineering or Business combined with relevant experience
• Experience of Quality and Environmental System (e.g., ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001)

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Paid Time Off (starts at 17 days a year)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Generous 401k match
• Education tuition reimbursement program
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Comprehensive Training Program and access to Online Learning

Working together to make over 2 billion connections every year. That’s what we do at Oetiker. Our ‘OneOetiker’ culture is built on open and respectful collaboration and strong relationships with team members. Our strength comes directly from our team, our values and a culture of trust, teamwork, and professional growth. Oetiker strongly encourages equal rights. We appreciate every candidate and explicitly support a diverse and balanced workforce.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.