Research and Development Engineering Manager

Company Overview:

The Lee Company is a global leader in the design and production of miniature, precision fluid control components for the aerospace, medical/scientific instrument, oil tool, and automotive industries.

Lee Company products are recognized worldwide for superior quality, reliability, and performance. Lee’s unique capabilities in miniaturization and engineering keep the company at the forefront of fluid control technology and identify Lee as a leading innovator in the field of fluid handling and control.

Founded in 1948, The Lee Company occupies over one million sq. ft. of modern manufacturing and office space at four sites in Westbrook and Essex, Connecticut, and employs over 1,000 people.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Chief Engineer is a pivotal technical leader within The Lee Company's Innovation Center, responsible for guiding the technical direction, execution, and successful delivery of advanced R&D projects. Translate strategic innovation objectives into actionable technical plans, lead a team of talented engineers, and ensure the successful development and transition of new products and technologies from the Innovation Center to Product Groups.

Qualifications:

• Will hold a B.S. and/or M.S. in Engineering or related field from a recognized, fully accredited program, ideally paired with experience in hydraulics and fluid control.
• Over 7 years up to and including 10 years related Engineering experience. Ideally will have 20 years of experience related to NPD or R&D.
• Blend of deep technical expertise, strong project management skills, and exceptional leadership abilities to foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the engineering team.
• A deep desire to learn, a solid understanding of engineering principles, and a passion for designing creative solutions to challenging problems
• Advanced 3D CAD and PDM user, preference for SolidWorks experience.
• Experience with R&D prototype and testing lab environment.
• Ability to work under limited supervision
• Ability to travel to support innovation initiatives and collaboration.
• Comfortable with the uncertainty of Innovation

Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, and other technical staff, fostering an open-minded approach and effective teamwork to drive innovation.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the professional growth of team members.
• Promote a culture of intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous learning within the engineering group.
• Delegate tasks effectively and empower engineers to take ownership of their projects and technical challenges.
• Serve as a primary technical expert and advisor to the Director of Innovation.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight for the design, development, qualification, and production of micro-fluidic and hydraulic components, ensuring the application of sound engineering principles.
• Collaborate with the Director of Innovation to define technical roadmaps and strategies that align with company and Innovation Center objectives.
• Drive the exploration and implementation of new development and production technologies, particularly where capital investment by individual product groups is impractical.
• Stay abreast of industry and technology trends and issues, attending key industry trade events to inform technical direction.
• Oversee and manage multiple complex R&D projects, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to timelines, and budget constraints.
• Develop and implement project plans, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring successful execution and hand-off of projects from the Innovation Center to product groups.
• Lead the engineering team in applying research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities.
• Ensure the development of suitable technical documentation for all projects.
• Hire, orient, train, supervise, develop, coach, discipline, conduct performance evaluations, and initiate compensation and position changes for subordinate personnel.

The Lee Company Advantages:

The Lee Company offers opportunities for career growth in a stable, well-managed company providing an attractive range of benefits including company-paid health insurance, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and daycare subsidy. The Lee Company is situated in southern New England in a rural, campus setting close to the Long Island Sound.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.