New Product Development Director

Sp Industries - Gardiner, NY

Full-time - Senior

Gardiner, NY

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

About the position

ATS Scientific Products is seeking a New Product Development Director to lead the development of innovative freeze drying, evaporation, and thermal systems. This role encompasses the entire product development lifecycle, from opportunity evaluation through design, development, and launch, while also managing the retirement of outdated products. The focus is on creating modular and standardized systems that can be customized efficiently, minimizing design time by utilizing standard assemblies and parts. The NPD Director will oversee multiple technology and product development projects, leading cross-functional engineering teams of 5 to 10 professionals, and will manage local projects in Gardiner, NY, while coordinating with a research and development team in Ipswich, UK. In this position, the NPD Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining technology roadmaps, engineering projects, processes, budgets, and timelines, ensuring that all projects are completed successfully. The role emphasizes the creation of reliable, efficient, and cost-effective machines that can be manufactured consistently and reliably. All employees at SP/ATS are expected to engage in continuous improvement initiatives using LEAN tools as part of the ATS Business Model. Key responsibilities include leading diverse cross-functional teams, managing the design and development processes, ensuring compliance with functional specifications, and maintaining customer satisfaction. The NPD Director will also explore various machine configurations to optimize designs for customer processing objectives, oversee testing processes, and ensure that all manufacturing and operational activities meet established requirements. Additionally, the role requires staying updated on industry standards and regulatory requirements, providing mentorship to junior staff, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Travel to other SP sites, including the UK, is expected to be around 10% to 15%, with occasional trips to customer or supplier sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new products from opportunity evaluation to launch.
• Manage cross-functional teams of engineers and oversee local projects in Gardiner, NY.
• Develop and maintain technology roadmaps, engineering projects, processes, budgets, and timelines.
• Ensure successful completion of projects while focusing on reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create and manage diverse cross-functional teams with indirect reports.
• Clarify requirements and develop formal functional specifications before design work begins.
• Oversee design, development, construction, and testing processes for new products.
• Explore various machine configurations to select optimal designs for customer objectives.
• Work with design teams to optimize workflow, CAD drawing preparation, and BOM structure.
• Direct activities to ensure compliance with functional specifications and customer requirements.
• Identify innovative and cost-effective designs for complex equipment in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Stay updated on industry standards and regulatory requirements through competitive analysis and participation in organizations.
• Mentor junior colleagues and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Requirements

• 5+ years of Engineering Management experience in new product development.
• 15+ years of Engineering experience in a process-oriented and metric-driven environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Experience in an ISO quality environment.
• Experience developing equipment for qualification under NRTL listing (USA & Canada) and CE/UK CA.
• Strong structured problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Proficient in DraftSight, SolidWorks, and SolidWorks PDM.
• Good oral and written communication skills with a focus on accuracy and detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Refrigeration design experience, particularly with low GWP gases below -50°C.
• Experience with vacuum systems down to 5 microns.
• Familiarity with ISPE GAMP5 standard.
• Knowledge of ASME BPE standard.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits package including Life, Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(K) plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.
• Career advancement opportunities and tuition assistance.