Director of Research, Development & Product Innovation

UTLX

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdingswhich is backed by Berkshire Hathawayyoull be doing things that matter leading at every level and winning a better way. Were committed to making a positive impact on the world providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities and fostering a culture where everyones empowered to be their best.

The Director of Research Development and Product Innovation provides strategic leadership for the R&D and product engineering functions across Union Tank Car Company Procor and McKenzie Valve. This role is responsible for driving innovation leading the development of new products technologies materials and processes and advancing engineering solutions that support business growth customer needs and industry leadership.

As a senior engineering leader the Director collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities enhance product performance improve operational efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The role leads and develops engineering talent while fostering a culture of innovation continuous improvement and technical excellence.

The Director serves as a catalyst for innovation by evaluating emerging technologies driving strategic R&D initiatives and transforming ideas into practical solutions that deliver value to customers and strengthen the organizations competitive position in the rail industry.

Primary Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead and develop R&D product engineering and innovation strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the strategic direction of Research & Development product engineering and innovation initiatives ensuring alignment with organizational objectives customer needs and long-term business growth.
• Drive the development enhancement and commercialization of railcars components and service equipment solutions that improve performance reliability safety and customer value.
• Establish and execute a forward-looking innovation roadmap that anticipates market trends emerging technologies and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Identify evaluate and implement new technologies materials manufacturing methods and digital solutions that strengthen competitive advantage and operational excellence.
• Inspire a culture of innovation by fostering creative problem-solving encouraging new ideas and promoting continuous learning and technical excellence across engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Lead the research testing validation and implementation of innovative concepts ensuring successful transition from development through commercialization and operational deployment.
• Prioritize and manage a portfolio of engineering product development and innovation projects balancing strategic objectives resource allocation risk timelines and business impact.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing Repair Leasing Sales Operations and other stakeholders to improve product performance manufacturability repairability reliability and lifecycle value.
• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor providing mentorship coaching and professional development opportunities for engineering team members.
• Monitor market dynamics customer feedback industry developments and competitive activity to identify opportunities for product differentiation and business growth.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers suppliers industry organizations universities and technical experts to advance research innovation and technology adoption.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements industry standards engineering best practices and company quality and safety expectations.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets resources workforce planning and organizational capabilities to support current and future business needs.
• Champion quality safety Responsible Care and continuous improvement initiatives while driving a high-performance culture focused on innovation accountability and operational excellence.
• Act as a visionary leader who challenges conventional thinking identifies breakthrough opportunities and drives transformative solutions that position the organization as an industry leader in engineering and innovation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive engineering experience including product development mechanical design research testing and implementation.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering technical or R&D teams.
• Proven ability to drive innovation solve complex technical challenges and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical project management communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering Engineering Management or Business Administration.
• Experience in rail tank car manufacturing repair operations or other regulated industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of US-DOT Transport Canada AAR FRA and related industry regulations and standards.
• Experience leading innovation initiatives technology roadmaps and new product development programs.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience implementing quality safety and continuous improvement programs.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week onsite and up to three days remote subject to business needs.
• Regular travel to manufacturing repair customer and operational locations.
• Work is performed in both office and industrial environments including railcar manufacturing and repair facilities.
• Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support projects travel and business priorities.
• Must be able to safely navigate industrial environments including heights and confined spaces when necessary.

Disclaimer:

Please note the duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employees normal line of work. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Why Join Our Team

We take pride in offering our employees rich benefits packages. We appreciate hard-working and passionate individuals which is why we offer...

• Tuition reimbursement program
• Day 1 Medical dental vision
• Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
• Company-paid sickness and accident income
• 401k with a generous company match
• Holiday pay
• Vacation
• Marmon employee discount program

Pay Range:

159300.00 - 194700.00

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical dental vision 401k matching and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process please email your request to and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.