New Product Development / R&D Manager, Controlled Environment (f/m/d)

Freudenberg Home And Cleaning Solutions Gmbh - Aurora, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Aurora, IL

About the position

The R&D Manager leads and owns products within a defined portfolio or key competence area, focusing on all R&D-related aspects with minimal management oversight. This role is responsible for executing significant innovation projects and product upgrades in the controlled environment sector, recognized as a leading expert in the field. The R&D Manager oversees the entire New Product Development (NPD) process, from idea generation through the Stage-Gate process and post-launch activities, while supporting the strategic development of the R&D organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage and drive complex R&D projects from ideation to market implementation in a multifunctional project team involving internal and external partners.
• Own the product specifications, testing methods, and testing plan for full technical product validation.
• Plan and coordinate product testing for technical claim support, benchmark, and competitor analysis.
• Contribute to idea creation activities and proactively scout, identify, and drive new technology, product, and process opportunities, including monitoring the competition landscape.
• Own and manage an existing product portfolio related to quality, regulatory compliance, cost saving, supply chain, production initiatives, and IP environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in an engineering field (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in product development, preferably in globally operating manufacturing companies within the controlled environment industry.
• Skilled in 3D CAD programs (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience in project management with a track record of successfully completed complex projects; MS Project exposure is a plus.
• Complete technical responsibility for R&D innovation side (prototyping, testing, manufacturing) with stage gate experience within NPD.
• Experience with manufacturing processes involving plastics and metal, textiles a plus.
• Proven leadership skills.