Director Research Development Jobs in Madison, WI

Janesville, WI, USA

Join a technology-driven organization that designs and manufactures advanced sensing solutions used in demanding automotive, heavy vehicle, off‑road, and industrial applications. Our products measure and monitor fluid level, fluid quality, pressure, speed, and position using technologies including ultrasonics, Hall‑effect sensing, variable reluctance, MEMS, and embedded electronics.

As Director of R&D, you will lead the research, development, and technology organization and drive the innovation strategy that supports the company’s future growth. Working closely with executive leadership, you will define and execute technology roadmaps, identify and mature new sensing concepts, guide new technology development, and lead the introduction of next‑generation sensor platforms. A key aspect of the role is developing scalable technology platforms that enable product differentiation, technology reuse, and efficient development across multiple product families.

• Define and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company objectives, technology roadmaps, and product growth initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish long‑term product, research, and technology strategies.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, academic developments, and customer needs that drive future product development.
• Lead technology scouting, feasibility assessment, and concept exploration for new sensing technologies and system architectures.
• Establish and manage an innovation pipeline that balances near‑term product needs with longer‑term research and development opportunities.
• Guide system architecture and technical direction to ensure scalable, reliable, manufacturable, and differentiated product solutions.
• Drive platform‑based product development strategies that maximize technology reuse, scalability, and speed‑to‑market across multiple product families.
• Balance innovation, technical risk, research investment, and execution priorities across the R&D portfolio.

• Lead the exploration and development of advanced sensor concepts from early research through production launch.
• Oversee feature enhancements for existing platforms and the development of next‑generation sensor technologies.
• Define and execute proof‑of‑concept studies, breadboarding, prototype development, and feasibility testing for new technologies.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and regulatory requirements.
• Direct New Product Introduction (NPI), validation, qualification, and product release activities.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance for complex engineering, research, and customer challenges.
• Drive engineering excellence through robust design, experimentation, verification, and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Support technology transition from R&D into product development and manufacturing.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team including mechanical, electrical, firmware, systems, and packaging engineering disciplines.
• Build a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top engineering and research talent.
• Establish performance expectations and support career development across the organization.
• Foster cross‑functional collaboration between R&D, engineering, operations, quality, sales, product management, and manufacturing.
• Promote knowledge sharing, technical learning, and continuous development of core competencies.

• Own R&D resource planning, budgeting, and organizational capacity planning.
• Establish and improve R&D development processes, tools, and performance metrics.
• Ensure projects are executed on schedule, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor R&D performance through quality, delivery, reliability, technical progress, and operational metrics.
• Remove organizational and technical barriers that impact execution and product delivery.
• Manage portfolio priorities across exploratory research, applied development, and product launch support.
• Ensure disciplined stage‑gate decision‑making and project governance for R&D programs.

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, technology partners, universities, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic customer engagements, technical reviews, and business development activities.
• Support manufacturing operations and global product launch activities.
• Represent R&D in executive planning, business reviews, and customer‑facing discussions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry, and regulatory requirements.
• Support strategic partnerships, collaborative development efforts, and external technology initiatives where appropriate.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy, including invention disclosures, patent generation, and protection of proprietary technologies.

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Individuals directed by management to operate a vehicle for work purposes will observe the requirements of the Fleet Safety Program.
• Support, promote, and perform in a manner consistent with continuous improvement goals and the values of SSI Technologies, LLC., following the policies, procedures, and requirements of our Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Advanced degree preferred. Required.
• Expertise in sensor technologies, signal processing, and relevant domains. A deep understanding of the technical intricacies involved in sensor development. Required.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and guide a technical team. Effective communication, high‑pressure decision‑making skills, and conflict resolution are essential. Required.
• Proven capability to develop and execute a strategic vision with a customer‑centric mindset including aligning engineering efforts with broader business objectives, anticipating future industry trends and managing complex engineering projects. Required.
• A track record of fostering innovation within engineering and cross‑functional teams, driving research and development initiatives, implementing creative solutions that comply with industry regulations and standards and offer a robust quality assurance process. Required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Required.
• 10+ years of progressive technical engineering or R&D leadership experience. Required.

• Has a high degree of latitude/minor oversight.
• Handles the most complex of issues.
• Advanced level of knowledge.
• Acts as a leader.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.