What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research & Development Manager position at Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co Inc?
Position Summary
The Manager of Research & Development (R&D) is responsible for leading the development, testing, and continuous improvement of residential window and door products. This role oversees design validation, material evaluation, performance testing, and cross-functional product development activities to support company growth, regulatory compliance, manufacturability, and customer satisfaction.
The R&D Manager collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales teams to successfully launch new products and product enhancements into the residential fenestration market.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Innovation
- Lead the research, design, and development of new residential window and door products and systems.
- Manage product improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and value engineering projects.
- Identify new technologies, materials, hardware, glazing systems, and design trends within the fenestration industry.
- Support innovation initiatives focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, acoustics, durability, and ease of manufacturing.
Project Management
- Manage multiple R&D projects from concept through commercialization.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
- Lead design reviews, risk assessments, FMEA activities and communicate project status to leadership.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches.
- Ensure projects meet timeline, cost, and performance objectives.
- Ensure product compliance with applicable standards and codes.
Team Leadership
- Inspire, mentor, and develop a team of Product Engineers and Product Designers.
- Clearly communicate department goals, priorities, performance expectations, and strategic vision.
- Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Support recruiting, training, and employee development initiatives, to ensure an environment of trust and unity.
Manufacturing & Operations Support
- Collaborate with Manufacturing and Process Engineering to ensure products are manufacturable and cost effective.
- Support troubleshooting of field and production-related product issues.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
- Oversee the development of installation methods, work instructions, and technical documentation.
Customer & Vendor Collaboration
- Work with suppliers to evaluate new materials, components, and technologies.
- Support Sales and Marketing with technical product information and competitive analysis.
- Participate in customer visits, industry trade shows, and technical presentations as needed.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field required.
Experience
- 7–10 years of product development or engineering experience. Preference given to experience within the residential window and door, building products, or fenestration industry.
- 3–5 years of leadership or management experience.
- Experience with APQP and/or stage-gate product development processes.
Technical Skills
- Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor.
- Understanding of thermal analysis, structural analysis, and product testing methods.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with extrusion design, tooling, and profile optimization.
- Experience with ERP/PLM systems.
Leadership Competencies
- End-to-end product ownership
- Structured problem solving and root cause analysis
- Detail-oriented documentation and change management
- Customer- and market-focused design mindset
- Ability to balance innovation, performance, cost, and manufacturability
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
- Combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor work
- Minimal (< 10%) travel to suppliers, test labs, or initial product installations may be required
- Ability to support hands-on prototype builds and production trials