Director of Research and Development

Location: Timberlake, NC (onsite)
Schedule: Full-time | Exempt

About the Role

Voltage is seeking an experienced Director of Research & Development to lead product innovation and engineering development initiatives across our growing manufacturing operations. In this role, you will drive new product development, continuous improvement, and technology advancement from concept through commercialization. You will partner cross-functionally to align innovation with business strategy, customer needs, manufacturability, and quality standards while building scalable R&D processes and team capability.

What You’ll Do

• Lead execution of the company’s R&D strategy and product development roadmap.

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and innovation opportunities.

• Drive development of new products from concept through prototyping, validation, and commercialization.

• Oversee new product introduction (NPI) and stage-gate development processes.

• Ensure products meet performance, reliability, regulatory, and customer requirements.

• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations to ensure smooth transition into production.

• Manage R&D operations including project prioritization, budgets, resources, and timelines.

• Establish and monitor R&D KPIs, milestones, and development performance metrics.

• Improve speed-to-market, development efficiency, and execution discipline.

• Drive value engineering and cost optimization initiatives.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Engineering.

• Support customer-driven product solutions and technical engagements.

• Build and develop high-performing R&D and engineering teams.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, testing requirements, and quality expectations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Product Development, or related technical field required; Master’s degree preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive engineering or product development experience.

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing R&D or engineering teams.

• Demonstrated experience leading new product development from concept through commercialization.

• Experience in manufacturing, renewable energy, electrical products, or industrial technology environments preferred.

• Strong knowledge of product development lifecycle and stage-gate methodologies.

• Experience with testing, validation, and product reliability principles.

• Proven project and portfolio management experience.

• Strong financial acumen, including budget and resource planning.

• Experience with ERP/PLM systems (SAP preferred).

• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Why Join Us?

• Lead innovation in a growing renewable energy manufacturing organization.

• Drive development of next-generation products and technologies.

• Build and scale a high-impact engineering and R&D organization.

Additional Information

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees thrive.