CTS is a $550 million corporation that employs 3,500+ dedicated people. CTS designs and manufactures electronic components, actuators, and sensors to OEMs in the automotive, communications, medical, defense and aerospace, industrial, and computer markets. The company manufactures products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 1896 as Chicago Telephone Supply, CTS is headquartered in Lisle, IL.
Job/Position Summary
The VP, Global Engineering, R&D will provide leadership and direction to the Engineering Product Development, Innovation, and Research & Development Teams for CTS Corporation’s Advanced Materials and Solutions Business Unit. The priorities for this position include strategic planning, product design, research & development, developing and inspiring the team, innovation, quality assurance, and problem resolution. The VP, Global Engineering, R&D ensures highest quality execution of product design, project deliverables, and innovation initiatives to meet company objectives, partners with management and develops systems and controls to ensure compliance with quality standards. Creating and sustaining a lean and continual improvement focused culture as well as fostering cross functional alignment across the global organization are critical aspects of the role. Works with other business functions to deliver highest quality products at the right price, at the right time. Responsible for developing and delivering products and formulations that meet customer requirements, leveraging experience and team judgment to move quickly and efficiently. Builds strong internal and external relationships, works with outside partners and in multi-functional teams interacting with the senior leadership team regularly.
Major Areas of Responsibility
- Provides strategic vision and leadership to shape processes and best practices for an agile and lean workforce.
- Contribute to the accomplishment of key performance indicators including safety, quality, production, cost and development.
- Guides and supports the global teams, including advising on new product development efforts.
- Works to continue to develop the CTS company culture. Actively provides coaching, development and supervision for R&D staff.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationship with the respective customer interfaces.
- Creates a strong talent pool and pipeline through proper measures such as fostering of co-op program and career development for the engineering function.
- Ensures that necessary skills, competencies, and tools are available to execute product development activities now as well as forward looking.
- Develops and directs procedures and methods to ensure quality standards are met and maintained.
- Coordinates activities with the cross functional team such as Sales, Program & Product Management, Purchasing, Supplier Development, Supplier Quality, and Operations to execute new programs as well as support activities related to in-production products.
- Effectively manages departments within approved budget/forecast. Recommends and takes actions to adjust forecasted spending based on changes in market conditions.
- Manages product design through the product life cycle from idea generation to end of life.
- Provides support to Marketing, Sales, Sourcing, Consumer Services and Manufacturing teams as needed.
- Assists with Product Technology Roadmap and M&A as requested.
Research & Development
- Works with Marketing to help define and promote product concepts.
- Directs development and testing to meet project objectives. This includes development of new products, continual improvement, and cost savings initiatives.
- Keeps current on new developments in the areas of piezoelectric ceramics and crystals, passive microwave/EMI/EMC filters, timing devices and a variety of sensing technologies. Utilizes benchmarking techniques to secure leading market positions.
- Leads and monitors product development in compliance with established Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Leads the CTS external technical interface for all Advanced Materials and Solutions Business Unit Customers, Markets, Industry Associations, etc.
- Defines and executes product plans including budget, timing, and resources in support of Technology, Product, and SBU Strategic initiatives.
- Ensures Design for Manufacture and Assembly techniques is utilized.
- Performs special assignments as necessary.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience in one or more of the following areas desired: Ceramic processing methods, materials science, radio frequency filter design, ultrasonic transducer design, electro mechanical design, sensing technology including temperature, pressure, position, humidity, flow etc.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and supervise cross-functional teams.
- Strong experience managing globally resourced teams.
- Experience in product development and validation for components and/or systems in one or more of the medical, defense, aerospace and industrial markets.
- Working knowledge and understanding of FMEA, DFMA, Design Simulation, Lean Methodologies, DOE, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams and MS Powerpoint are beneficial.
- Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple projects/tasks.
- Experienced structured problem solve leader.
- Self-motivated and results orientated, proactive with outstanding planning and follow up skills.
- Motivational leader, eager to learn and grow.
- Able to communicate and write effectively, resulting in a clear understanding of the issues.
- Ability to lead effective communication internally as well as with CTS customers and suppliers even under pressure.
- Demonstrated strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to work with multifunctional teams and effectively interface with external partners.
- Ability and willingness to travel as required.
Required Education and Experience
- Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and 15+ years of experience
- Master’s Degree in a technical field or MBA is strongly preferred
Physical Demands
- Ability to work several hours at a computer.
- Ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed.
Work Environment
- Standard office environment
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