Director of R&D

A fast-growing micro-mobility company committed to a world with clean air, liveable cities, safe streets, and widespread access to convenient, affordable transportation.

We're passionate about transportation and technology. The work we accomplish fulfills a sense of meaning and purpose, which goes beyond the traditional dimensions of a workplace. Our products and initiatives directly influence people's lives, which is proven by our customers' feedback.

Opportunity to join a fast-growing startup and help shape and establish the company's industry leadership
Competitive health benefits
Unlimited PTO for salaried roles
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Monthly cell phone bill stipend
Wellness perk for salaried roles

We are looking for a Hardware R&D Director to help us make the best possible micro mobility vehicles. You will drive researching new technologies that will be beneficial to our future platforms. Come up with ideas for making the vehicles better and then make them a reality!

Responsibilities

Leads development and research projects, implement standard methodologies in innovation and maintain the department R&D budget
Responsible for developing and supervising research and development plans for the R&D group, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, in accordance with the strategic plans and roadmap
Promote a productive R&D culture that is motivated and accountable having a customer focus on innovation, quality, and improving the user experience
Explore new scientific technologies and approaches, and determine their applicability, while staying ahead of competitive products and technology advances
Represent R&D in the product development process - aiding to set project goals and achievements and responsible for R&D prioritization
Works closely with cross functional teams to ensure alignment and prioritization around roadmap, product development, and budgets. Explore gaps within organization and technologies and prepare plans to address gaps
Supervise R&D managers, making sure reviews are completed and objectives are set. Assist in the development of talent within the organization, and assist in their career development.
Support Product Management, Manufacturing and Marketing groups to ensure high product quality and customer satisfaction.
Collaborate internally with hardware teams, product management and BD to ensure joint research programs are progressing
Represent the company at conferences and customer visits, and collaborate externally with academic and industrial partners based on our roadmap
Represent the department around intellectual property discussions and IP lifecycle management with the legal department
Promote the corporate vision and ensure alignment within the team

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in engineering or equivalent plus at least 15 years of relevant work experience, or Masters degree plus at least 12 years of related experience, or Ph. D. in engineering plus at least 10 years of work experience
Proven experience of at least 8 years as a manager
Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
Consistent track record of direct and indirect management of resources and teams
Understanding of best practices in innovation, portfolio management, and customer centric approach to product development
Creative thinking and ability to drive performance and user experience requirements
Demonstrated research record and experience in developing new technologies
Understanding of material manufacturing processes
Passion for personal and team development
Ability to work across a large organization
Experience maintaining metrics and budgets
Must be well organized and enjoy working in a fast-paced dynamic environment
Some travel may be required