Hardware Engineering Manager at LI-COR

Location

Lincoln, NE

Overview

The Hardware Engineering Manager will lead a team of Mechanical and Electrical engineers in the development of innovative environmental products. This role combines leadership, technical expertise, and strategic execution to drive new product development, integrate development teams, optimize processes, and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality solutions. Responsible for mentoring and developing the engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, while ensuring alignment with company objectives and goals. A key focus will be to oversee new product development efforts, while advocating for team needs and holding individuals accountable for performance. This individual will serve as project manager on assigned projects, mitigating risks, and ensuring that products meet both technical and business requirements. Strong communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams and senior leadership will be essential to drive progress and ensure the success of new product initiatives.

Professional Qualifications

Education

• Master of Science in Engineering (or equivalent knowledge/experience)

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in design and systems development.
• Minimum five (5) years managing engineering projects and/or leading development teams.
• Experience managing teams in various locations a plus.

General

• Demonstrated high level of knowledge and expertise in the technical area(s) to be managed.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and direct teams, prioritize work, and hold teams and individuals accountable for successful execution.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound and timely decisions – by including appropriate people and gathering needed information.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders of all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead engineering teams in new processes and product development, from ideation to manufacturing.
• Demonstrated mature judgment, and a solid understanding of manufacturing and marketing requirements.
• Motivated self-starter, who enjoys challenges. High energy and achievement.
• High creativity, insight, curiosity and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, teachable, team player, positive attitude and good attendance.
• High ethics, integrity, honesty, and patience.

Position Responsibilities

SPECIFIC:

Team Leadership and Development

• • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, provide performance feedback, and support career development to ensure team members achieve both personal and professional growth.
  • Responsible for identifying areas we need to grow team and hiring the right talent.
  • Advocate for team needs and ensure adequate resources, training, and support for successful project execution.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of Mechanical and Electrical engineers, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Product Development, Technology Development, and Technical Leadership

• • Provide technical leadership to the engineering team, ensuring sound engineering practices and solutions are applied across design efforts. Take an active role in mentoring and developing engineers.
  • Lead integration of development teams, tools used and best practices.
  • Assists in the research, planning and development of emerging technologies and provide direction for future development.
  • Oversee and guide the development of assigned new hardware products through development process, ensuring design meets both technical and business requirements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Research Scientists, Product Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, etc.) to define project requirements, timelines, and resources allocation.
  • As needed, engage as an individual contributor in product and technology development.
  • Work with Director of Product Development to identify areas for improvement and new processes for product development to meet company goals and objectives. Lead implementation of new processes and tools.

Project Management

• • Prioritize and manage resources effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and problem-solving sessions to ensure the engineering team meets quality, cost, and schedule targets.
  • Communicate project status to senior leadership, providing updates on milestones, risks, and resource needs.

Technical Oversight and Problem Solving

• • Provide technical leadership to the engineering team, ensuring sound engineering practices and solutions are applied across design efforts.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to hardware design, manufacturing, and testing.
  • Promote and enforce rigorous design documentation and testing standards to ensure product reliability and manufacturability.

Stakeholder Communication

• • Serve as primary point of contact for hardware engineering-related matters with senior management and other key stakeholders.
  • Translate technical details into clear, actionable communication for executive leadership, ensuring alignment on project progress and strategic priorities.
  • Present technical concepts and updates to both technical and non-technical audiences in a concise and effective manner that instills confidence

GENERAL:

1. Travel required ~3 times per year between Lincoln, NE and Bourne, MA.
2. Occasional travel as needed for new acquisitions to meet with their development team and assess integration and path forward.
3. Other duties as assigned.