Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture, sale, service and installation of loading dock equipment, vehicle restraints, high speed doors, high volume, low speed fans and much more - all design to improve industrial safety, security, productivity, design, environmental control, and energy consumption. As a fast-growing B2B industrial manufacturing company, we are looking for a Vice President of Engineering with a Connected Products focus based out of our global headquarters in Milwaukee, WI.
Reporting directly to the President of Rite-Hite Digital Solutions, this position will be at the forefront of our digital transformation, harnessing innovative technologies to shape our next-generation Controls & IoT platforms. Your leadership will be critical in driving the convergence of hardware, controls, software, and IoT ecosystems to develop intelligent, secure, and scalable solutions for global markets. This is a unique opportunity to pioneer new advancements in IoT, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industrial technology space.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Leadership & Strategy
Strategic Leadership: Build & manage the embedded software and controls product and advanced technology engineering teams in the innovation and development of software, and hardware control systems for Rite-Hite equipment and automation solutions.
Innovation Culture: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Rite-Hite ONE Alignment: Collaborate closely within Digital Solutions to drive integrated Rite-Hite ONE value, and with senior management, product management, and other departments to define priorities, roadmaps, and objectives.
New Product Innovation:
System Design and Optimization: Oversee the design of both embedded software architectures and control systems.
Accelerate and Lead Innovation Initiatives: Drive the ideation, development, and implementation of next-gen advanced technology platforms, focusing on IoT integration, sensor applications, Edge AI, and embedded systems to enhance product functionality and user experiences.
Driving IoT Innovation: Proven record in transforming the Voice of Customer into IoT-enabled products, leading to greater efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Emerging Technology: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and drive innovation in product development and engineering processes.
Enterprise: Ensure that software developed meets all Non-functional Requirements, including scalability, high availability, and redundancy, performance, usability, and serviceability requirements.
Technical Oversight:
Technology Platform Formulation: Successfully conceptualized and executed technology platforms that leverage AI, computer vision, and IoT to create intelligent systems.
IoT Development and Networking: Oversee the design and secure implementation of IoT networking solutions, including sub-MHz, Wi-Fi, cellular, and ethernet technologies. Enable seamless communication across devices and platforms to create scalable, connected systems.
Technology Architecture: Direct the development of custom PCB hardware platforms from the ground up, ensuring a modular and forward-thinking architecture to support a wide range of industrial applications.
Cross-disciplinary Innovation: Work closely with cross-functional teams, from software developers to hardware engineers, to ensure seamless integration of IoT, AI, and machine learning technologies into our core platforms.
Edge AI and Computer Vision: Lead projects focused on Edge AI and Computer Vision to create intelligent devices that can process data locally for faster, real-time decision-making and enhanced functionality.
2D and 3D LiDAR Solutions: Champion the development and integration of 2D and 3D LiDAR applications to enhance product safety, precision, and automation.
GUI and User Experience: Oversee the design and development of intuitive Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's) that enhance interaction with complex IoT platforms, delivering user-friendly experiences.
Operational Excellence:
Engineering Performance: Set and monitor engineering metrics (KPIs) to measure performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes.
Best practices: Champion best practices and ensure initiatives achieve business outcomes.
Fiscal and Supplier Management: Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, controlling costs, and cultivating strong supplier relationships for advanced technology solutions.
Product Liability & Patent Portfolio: Strong experience in patent filing, product liability management, and building a robust patent portfolio to protect innovation. Also, ensure compliance with domestic and international regulatory standards.
Collaboration:
Cross-functional Collaboration: Adept at collaborating across multiple business units and technical disciplines to foster innovation and ensure the alignment of technology strategies with business objectives.
Technical Expert: Provide deep technical expertise to the organization and act as a technical expert with legal counsel regarding patents and/or IP issues.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, computer science or a related field. Advanced degrees MBA, or PhD are a plus.
Minimum of 10-15 years of engineering experience with at least 7 years leading teams that drive innovation and technology platforms.
Proven track record and progressive experience in the management, development, release, and maintenance of industrial controls and IoT technologies.
Experience in a fast-paced environment, leveraging agile development methodologies.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Leadership & management:
Leadership & Team building: ability to inspire and motivate teams, manage conflict and build strong relationships, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinker: Strong ability to take visionary ideas and translate them into actionable and scalable technological solutions.
Innovation: a passion for innovation, with the ability to lead the creation of cutting-edge products and systems.
Project & Portfolio Management: ability to manage product liability, global regulatory compliance, and patent portfolios.
Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross functional teams and technical & non-technical stakeholders
Change Management: ability to lead organizational change and foster a culture of family and continuous improvement.
Technical Skills:
Direct leadership experience of technical teams, including cloud platforms, embedded software and firmware, controls hardware design, and mobile (iOS, Android) development.
Knowledge of latest connected device technologies that include Industrial equipment, automation, IOT devices, and sensor application.
Hands-on experience with modern software development and engineering technologies.
Experience in electrical design and manufacturing.
Expertise in:
Embedded Linux, Real-time Operating Systems, Cloud Technologies, Mobile Technologies
Single Board Computing platforms with embedded Linux
GUI development and user experience optimization
Experience with implementing strategies and technologies to deliver cyber security and data privacy in embedded devices and IoT platforms
Experience with wireless technologies and associated testing/certification processes
We Offer:
Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package. If you are selected for an initial interview, you will receive a message from Rite-Hite's "in-house" talent acquisition team. Interested applicants, please email resume to: mshaw@ritehite.com.
Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.