Project Manager, R&D

Position Summary

MRCOOL is a leading innovator in the residential and light-commercial HVAC industry, known for making professional-grade ductless mini-split and heat pump systems accessible to the DIY market. As we continue to expand our product portfolio — including our next-generation DIY systems, multi-zone solutions, and the transition to R-454B refrigerant technology — we are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our R&D team.

The R&D Project Manager will serve as the operational backbone of MRCOOL's product development function, driving new product introduction (NPI) initiatives from concept through commercial launch. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, supply chain, sourcing, compliance, and marketing — and requires someone who can manage complexity, maintain cross-functional momentum, and hold teams accountable to timelines and deliverables.

Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & NPI Management

• Own the end-to-end project lifecycle for new product introductions, including ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, line sets, accessories, and emerging product categories.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestone schedules, and risk registers for all active R&D initiatives.
• Coordinate stage-gate reviews with cross-functional stakeholders including engineering, sourcing/procurement, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, sales, and marketing.
• Track and manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and ensure documentation is complete and accessible.

Supplier & Manufacturing Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between MRCOOL's R&D team and overseas manufacturing partners (primarily in China), coordinating sample submissions, tooling timelines, and pre-production approvals.
• Partner with the procurement and import/distribution teams (HVAC Distributing) to align NPI timelines with sourcing lead times, tariff classifications, and inventory planning.
• Manage prototype and pre-production sample tracking from factory to U.S. testing facilities.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Coordinate product compliance activities including ETL/UL certifications, DOE efficiency ratings, AIM Act refrigerant compliance (R-454B transition), and applicable EPA/DOT requirements.
• Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory requirements (HTS classifications, Section 301 tariffs, refrigerant transition timelines) and surface implications to leadership in a timely manner.
• Support documentation preparation for trade compliance filings, including any Department of Commerce or CBP inquiries related to MRCOOL product lines.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure product launch readiness — including packaging, documentation, training materials, and channel-specific requirements (e.g., Home Depot, distributor partners, e-commerce).
• Collaborate with the Customer Service and Technical Support teams to ensure new product launch materials adequately address installation, warranty, and troubleshooting needs.
• Partner with the legal team on IP, patent, and licensing matters that arise during product development.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and present regular project status updates to R&D leadership and the COO, including timeline performance, budget tracking, risk mitigation, and go-to-market readiness.
• Maintain a centralized project management system (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or equivalent) to provide full visibility into R&D pipeline status.
• Document lessons learned and drive continuous improvement in MRCOOL's NPI process.

QualificationsRequired

• 5 years of project management experience in a product development, engineering, or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through commercial launch.
• Strong proficiency with project management tools and methodologies (PMP, Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches).
• Experience coordinating with offshore manufacturing partners, particularly in China or Southeast Asia.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical details for non-technical audiences and vice versa.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience building and managing project tracking in spreadsheet or PM software environments.

Preferred

• Background in HVAC, home appliances, consumer electronics, or other hardware product categories.
• Familiarity with HVAC regulatory standards, DOE efficiency ratings, UL/ETL certification processes, or refrigerant compliance (AIM Act, A2L refrigerants).
• Experience working with import/export documentation, HTS classifications, or U.S. Customs compliance.
• PMP certification or equivalent credential.
• Experience working in a high-growth, entrepreneurial company environment where speed and adaptability are essential.

Core Competencies

• Ownership Mindset — Takes full accountability for project outcomes; proactively identifies and resolves issues without waiting to be directed.
• Cross-Functional Influence — Earns trust and drives alignment across engineering, sourcing, sales, and operations without direct authority.
• Detail Orientation — Maintains rigorous attention to schedules, specifications, and compliance requirements across multiple concurrent projects.
• Adaptability — Thrives in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift and resourcefulness is required.
• Communication Excellence — Communicates clearly and concisely at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

MRCOOL offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a rapidly growing organization

About MRCOOL

MRCOOL is headquartered in Hickory, KY and is one of the fastest-growing brands in the residential HVAC industry. We design and deliver innovative, high-efficiency heating and cooling products — including our industry-leading DIY ductless mini-split systems — that empower homeowners and contractors alike. Our products are sold through major national retailers, an extensive dealer and distributor network, and direct-to-consumer channels across North America.

We are a values-driven, performance-oriented company where talented people have the opportunity to make a real impact. If you are ready to help shape the future of home comfort, we want to hear from you.

MRCOOL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hickory, KY 42051