The Director – HVAC Product Development & Innovation leads the end-to-end development of next-generation HVAC products with a focus on manufacturability, performance, sustainability, and market differentiation. Positioned at the intersection of R&D, engineering, and manufacturing, this role drives innovation from concept through production launch. The Director champions a culture of innovation, design-for-manufacturing (DFM), and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, cost-effective HVAC systems aligned with corporate growth and operational efficiency goals.
Lead full product lifecycle management (PLM) from ideation, concept design, and prototyping through to validation, production, and post-launch support.
Oversee the development of HVAC systems including heat pumps, air conditioners, chillers, air handling units, and advanced controls.
Collaborate with operations, sourcing, and quality to ensure manufacturability, supply chain readiness, and production scalability.
Drive integration of advanced technologies: variable-speed systems, smart controls, IoT connectivity, low-GWP refrigerants, and high-efficiency components.
Foster partnerships with technology vendors, research institutes, and regulatory bodies to accelerate innovation.
Champion initiatives in sustainability, energy efficiency, and digital transformation across the HVAC product line.
Ensure early-stage collaboration between engineering and manufacturing to align design intent with production capabilities.
Standardize components and platforms to optimize cost, reliability, and production flexibility.
Lead cross-functional reviews (DFMEA, PFMEA, DFM/A) to mitigate risk and ensure robust product design.
Build and lead high-performing engineering and product development teams across mechanical, electrical, and controls domains.
Foster close collaboration between product management, quality, supply chain, and plant operations teams.
Promote a culture of creativity, speed-to-market, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Direct product launch programs, ensuring milestones, budgets, and technical deliverables are met.
Oversee stage-gate or agile development processes, integrating feedback loops from testing, manufacturing, and field service.
Monitor project risks, market trends, and competitor activity to inform product and innovation roadmaps.
HVAC product innovation with a manufacturing-centric approach
Cross-functional product development from concept to commercial launch
Design for cost, quality, sustainability, and scalability
Integration of advanced technology and regulatory foresight
Program leadership, team development, and operational alignment
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field (required)
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Product Innovation, or MBA (preferred)
PMP, Lean Product Development, or Six Sigma certifications are a plus
Familiarity with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, ISO 9001/14001, DOE/EPA standards
10+ years in HVAC product development or innovation roles within a manufacturing environment
5+ years in a leadership role driving cross-functional development programs
Proven track record of bringing technically complex, cost-effective HVAC systems to market
Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, airflow systems, refrigeration cycles, and control systems
Experience with CAD/CAE tools, PLM systems, and project management platforms
Excellent leadership, stakeholder communication, and organizational change management skills
Deep understanding of how to bridge design intent with plant capability and field performance