Director Engineering New Product Development Jobs in California

The New Product Development Manager owns the identification, evaluation, development, commercialization, launch, training, and adoption of new rental products during the first 0-24 months of the product lifecycle. The position serves as the bridge between Rental Fleet, Sales, Operations, Procurement, and NPD Engineers to turn market opportunities into profitable rental offerings by supporting successful commercialization of new rental fleet products. This role leads new product opportunity development, builds financial business cases, coordinates pilots, validates customer demand, and prepares products for successful fleet introduction. The New Product Development Manager develops launch plans, pricing strategies, positioning, training, marketing support, and branch readiness plans to drive adoption and utilization. Key executive outcomes include Growth, Capital Efficiency, Execution, and Innovation.
What we do:
At Rain for Rent® , we move water-every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling solutions, we're recognized for our systems engineering expertise, cost-effective problem solving, and the high value we deliver to organizations facing critical liquid management challenges. Our experienced teams, supported by skilled engineers, are continually redefining what customers expect from a liquid handling provider. We design innovative equipment and harness cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of the toughest environments. From water handling and irrigation to temporary liquid storage, our solutions consistently exceed customer expectations for quality and service. We are committed to completing every project safely, efficiently, on time-and done right the first time.
To learn more about Rain for Rent® please check out this short 2 minute YouTube video here.
Rain for Rent® employees take great pride in being part of a family-owned company with a rich and enduring legacy. Since 1934, we've delivered consistent, high-quality products and services to our customers. With more than 70 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, Rain for Rent® remains committed to excellence. Honesty and integrity are at the core of everything we do. Our dedicated team strives to exceed expectations through exceptional service and unwavering quality. Through the years we have held steadfast by maintaining our values of hard work, honesty, integrity, commitment and good stewardship. Continual diversification and a willingness to change directions with our products and services have driven our success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Market Opportunity Development
• Identify new rental product opportunities that support market growth, customer needs, and company strategic objectives.
• Build business cases and develop financial forecasts to evaluate new product opportunities.
• Evaluate Return on Rental (ROR), utilization potential, and market rental rates (pricing).
• Prioritize opportunities and maintain a new product portfolio aligned with business objectives.
Product Development and Commercialization
• Lead the product development stage-gate process for new rental fleet products.
• Coordinate pilots, validate customer demand, and prepare products for fleet introduction.
• Partner with Engineering to define product requirements, resolve technical needs, and support product readiness.
• Manage product development activities during the first 0-24 months of the product lifecycle.
Value Engineering and Supplier Development
• Develop supplier partnerships that support new product development, value acquisition, and lifecycle profitability.
• Improve rental product reliability, serviceability, transportability, and standardization.
• Evaluate product design, configuration, and supplier options to optimize long-term fleet performance.
New Product Commercialization Leadership
• Lead the identification, commercialization, and adoption of new rental products.
• Serve as the bridge between Engineering, the field organization, and Rental Fleet Management to convert market opportunities into profitable rental offerings.
• Partner with Engineering, New Product Development Engineers, Sales, Operations, Procurement, Marketing, Product Management, and Rental Fleet Management.
Go-To-Market Leadership
• Develop launch plans, pricing strategies, product positioning, marketing support, and branch readiness plans.
• Coordinate with Sales, Operations, Marketing, and Product Management to ensure a successful market introduction.
• Support communication of product value, target markets, use cases, and rental pricing strategy.
Training and Adoption
• Train Sales and Operations teams on new rental products, applications, value proposition, and operational readiness.
• Drive utilization and adoption of new products across the field organization.
• Monitor product performance, collect customer and field feedback, and recommend improvements.
• Track key performance indicators including New Product Revenue, ROR, Fleet Utilization, Adoption Rate, Vitality Index, and Successful Product Launches.
• Other duties as assigned in support of the operation.
Education and/or Experience:
A bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, or a related discipline is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in product management, product development, fleet management, engineering, commercialization, or industrial rental operations is required. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
What we offer:
At Rain for Rent® , we take pride in taking care of our team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Our offerings include:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Nine paid holidays and a generous paid time off (PTO) program
• Tuition reimbursement to support continued education
• Company-sponsored training and career development opportunities
• This opportunity is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus

We are proud to support those who have served our country. We are honored to share that Rain for Rent® has earned the Military Friendly® Employer Gold (MFE) Gold Designation for 2026! This is our fourth consecutive year being recognized, and our second year achieving Gold-level distinction. We are committed to hiring and supporting veterans. Vets - Rain for Rent® When you join the Rain for Rent team, you're not just building a career-you're building meaningful relationships, doing work that matters, and making a positive impact in your community. The choice is easy. Join the Rain for Rent team today.
**Rain for Rent® does not accept 3rd party applicants**
Rain for Rent® is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and other statuses protected by law.
Estimated rate of pay - $96,000 - $120,000 annually DOE
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.