Are you a champion of innovation? Can you create product concepts from a blank page and inspire others to do the same? Are you ready to lead a team by example that is chartered to generate breakthrough new product concepts? Do you have the ability and demeanor to be a truly collaborative cross-functional partner?

SharkNinja is looking for a high-level product innovation expert to act as a lead for Ninja’s R&D and Advanced Development Engineering department. This role is for someone who is great at managing people, can demonstrate an equal appreciation for form and function, is hands-on in leading and working on product development projects and is a clear and concise communicator. This role has immediate impact on defining Ninja next generation of disruptive new products!

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Solve consumer’s real-world problems with viable product concepts and transition these into Advanced Development projects
• Provide a meaningful contribution product roadmap for the entire Ninja brand. Scope both Advanced Development projects that support the product roadmap and have the potential to disrupt the product roadmap
• Manage a team of creative, talented, and passionate engineers by example, setting and maintaining an exceptionally high standard
• Maintain updates and prepare organization for transition of Advanced Development projects to full scale New Product Development.
• Respond quickly to shifting priorities without losing sight of longer-range projects and goals.
• Think critically about new product concepts, and ask the kinds of questions that help make them better
• Have the courage to make hard decisions such as when to stop working on a project, or when to start working on something that no one is yet asking for
• Interpret data/test results and develop action plans
• Provide clear, concise and transparent updates to senior leadership of the company on a regular cadence
• Manage projects with Ninja’s technology partners
• Transition concepts from Advanced Development to the NPD/NPI team, and work closely with team members based in China to transfer design intent and get early manufacturing feedback on new product concepts

Skills Required:

• Experience leading user-centered innovation projects
• Intuition on what consumers want and what works in the marketplace, ability to take in new learnings from field research and the wisdom to know when using one or the other is in the best interest of the project
• Willingness to take on some risks and pursue projects that might not make it to market. Willingness to fail quickly and fail often to succeed sooner is par for the course when generating disruptive product concepts!
• Open to pursuing multiple paths to get to the best solution, and not being too proud of your own ideas to listen to others
• Ability to sketch and visually communicate ideas quickly and effectively
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and/or ProE/Creo 3D CAD systems
• Hands on approach. Creates a culture that encourages and rewards working with physical models and prototypes. Trains and mentors others to deliver quick, hacked prototypes through to detailed DFM mechanisms that prove out early concepts or technical feasibility
• An appreciation for form and function. Able to participate in ID brainstorms, up front concept sketching and ID surfacing where required
• Experience allocating resources to work on multiple projects, and setting clear priorities when juggling multiple projects
• Competency managing direct reports in multiple offices
• Experience working with China manufacturing partners on high volume consumer products
• Respect and understanding of other disciplines, including Industrial Design, User Experience, Electronics, Quality, and Manufacturing

Education & Experience:

• BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design or Industrial Design
• 6+ years of experience in consumer products, automotive, or related industry

At SharkNinja, our purpose is to positively impact people’s lives every day in every home around the world. We work very hard to provide our consumers with high quality, exciting 5-star products that make life easier. We thrive on passion and innovation, and are looking for great people, with great ideas, who want to create the next big thing. We take a team approach to our projects, where everyone has a voice. We want individuals to push limits, look outside the box and think the unthinkable. With the explosive growth we have been experiencing, we’re looking for motivated individuals to join us on our exciting journey. People need to think big, move fast and want to make a significant impact. Are you ready?