R&D Manager

The Lignum Group • Full-time • Maryland, United States, US • $140k - $150k / year • 3w ago

About Us

My client are passionate about everything in what they do. As an independent brand operating within a global plc group of companies, they have been recognized worldwide as an industry leader in the development and manufacture of data center infrastructure solutions and commercial projects for over 60 years.

They are excited to potentially welcome you as part of their team as they continue to grow on a worldwide scale.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and grow the R&D function covering both thermal systems (liquid cooling, AHUs, heat exchangers) and structural steel solutions (rack structures, containment frames, modular assemblies).
Set and execute the R&D strategy aligned with business goals—balancing innovation, manufacturability, and commercial viability.
Oversee technical programs in design, simulation, prototyping, and validation, guiding the use of tools such as CFD, FEA, and structural analysis .
Provide hands-on technical leadership while mentoring engineers across mechanical, structural, and thermal disciplines.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Operations, and Sales Engineering to translate customer and market requirements into engineered solutions.
Drive integration between thermal and structural systems within modular data center products to optimize performance, installation, and scalability.
Manage R&D projects, ensuring milestones, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
Establish and refine R&D processes for design reviews, documentation, and prototype testing to ensure rigor and repeatability.
Engage external stakeholders—including suppliers, research partners, and customers—to inform technology direction and innovation opportunities.

Candidate Profile

Education:

Degree in Mechanical or Structural Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience:

8+ years’ experience in product development or R&D within thermal management, HVAC, or structural steel systems.
At least 2–4 years in a leadership or managerial capacity overseeing cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
Proven experience taking complex engineered systems from concept through production.
Strong background in simulation and analysis (CFD, FEA, structural modeling) and the ability to guide and review technical work.
Experience in data center, modular construction, or industrial infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.
Skills:
Strong technical foundation across both thermal and structural disciplines.
Excellent people leadership, mentoring, and team-building ability.
Commercially aware with a balance of innovation and practical execution.
Confident communicator with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and customers.
Highly organized, proactive, and skilled at establishing structure within a growing function.

Employee Benefits

Career Scope and Advancement: As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.
World of Wellness Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. You’ll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a “Health Advocate.” We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain. We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.
Skills Development: Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.
Mentorship and development: We don’t believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal. You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.
Culture: We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social. Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.