Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Job Description:

The New Product Development Engineering Manager at ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW, plays a critical role in shaping the future of some of the construction industry's most trusted fastening brands. In this role, you will lead the development and commercialization of innovative fastening and anchoring solutions by translating customer insights, market needs, and emerging technologies into differentiated products. Working closely with Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Quality, you will help shape and execute product strategy, guide innovation efforts, and develop a high-performing team that delivers meaningful value for customers and profitable growth for the business.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering team while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the New Product Development (NPD) stage-gate process, ensuring disciplined project execution, effective resource management, and alignment of engineering initiatives with annual and long-range business objectives.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and customers to translate customer insights and market opportunities into product strategies, technical requirements, and development roadmaps.
• Lead the development and commercialization of innovative fastening and anchoring solutions that deliver differentiated performance and customer value.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and competitive offerings to identify innovation opportunities and strengthen the product development pipeline.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to optimize project execution, cost, schedule, and resource utilization.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in new product development and high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success building, developing, and leading engineering teams while delivering results through others.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical product design, metallurgy, strength of materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization, including project management, cross-functional leadership, and roadmap development.
• Experience with mechanical fasteners, construction products, or industry certifications and approvals such as ICC-ES, UL, or FM is preferred.

This is an opportunity to influence both product strategy and organizational capability within a market-leading business. You'll lead the development of innovative products, help shape the future direction of category-leading brands such as Tapcon and Teks, and play a meaningful role in developing engineering talent and building innovation capability across the organization. You'll work alongside experienced commercial, operational, and engineering leaders in an environment that values technical curiosity, entrepreneurial thinking, and customer-focused innovation.

Grounded in four Core Commitments, we aim to ensure all colleagues, regardless of segment, division, geography, or title, experience what differentiates ITW as a great employer. Learn more at ITW Careers.

Additional Information

Work Environment

This position is based in our Glenview corporate office. However, the employee may be required to work in a variety of locations including, but not limited to: job/construction sites, test laboratories, and manufacturing facilities, and require certain personal protective equipment. These environments may not be controlled by ITW. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, climate variances and moving mechanical equipment typically found in a construction and manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment (office) is usually low, but much higher when exposed to the job sites, test laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms and regularly required to walk. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift 40 lbs., able to walk and stand for long periods of time at job site locations.

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

ITW Mechanical Fastening, a division of ITW Construction Products, is a global provider of premium fastening solutions that improve contractor productivity and building quality in the residential and renovation construction industries. Our portfolio includes category-leading brands such as GRK Fasteners, Tapcon and Teks.

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works Inc. is a Fortune 300 global multi-industry manufacturing leader with revenue of $16 billion in 2025. The company's seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. ITW's approximately 43,000 dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company's decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. ITW.

Compensation Information:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $118,000-$145,000, with final compensation determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. In addition to competitive compensation, ITW offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and performance-based rewards. More details on our benefits can be found at ITW Benefits.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.