New Product Development Manager

Research and Development Manager

We are seeking a dynamic Research and Development Manager to manage and lead our R&D Engineering team. The successful candidate will drive the team to achieve New Product Development (NPD) project deliverables, timelines, and launch requirements. You will identify and evaluate new technologies and trends to drive innovation, lead ideation of innovative products, conduct market research, and oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new product development. This role involves direct communication with suppliers and industry experts, and may require designing and developing parts and assemblies using SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

1. Manage and lead the R&D Engineering team.
2. Drive the R&D Engineering team to achieve NPD project deliverables, timelines, and launch requirements.
3. Identify and evaluate new technologies and trends to drive innovation.
4. Lead and contribute to the ideation of innovative products.
5. Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, technologies, and materials.
6. Oversee the prototyping and testing phases of new product development.
7. Communicate with suppliers and industry experts.
8. Design and develop parts and assemblies using SolidWorks.
9. Manage a team of R&D engineers and controls engineers.

Essential Skills

• 5 plus years of experience in New Product Development and phase/gate project management launches.
• Proven track record in research and development of new products.
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Previous experience managing/leading a team.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD 3D, preferably SolidWorks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required.
• Experience in the packaging industry, particularly with food and/or beverage.
• General machine and system design experience may be acceptable based on the level of experience.
• Master's degree or higher is preferred.
• Experience with controls engineering and HMI/PLC programming using Allen Bradley Software or similar is a plus.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite position in a large manufacturing facility with automated equipment. The environment is very clean and attached to an updated office space. The role involves 15-20% travel in North America and offers a balanced mix of people management and hands-on learning, with opportunities for customer interaction to develop specifications and installations.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $108000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Offers benefits on day 1 of your employment. Including: Medical, Dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, family leave, vision coverage, and a matched 401(k) plan.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 22, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actALENTaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.