Job Description

Our client, a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an experienced Director of Research and Development reporting to our Tulsa, OK facility. The Director of Research and Development will be responsible for the innovation, design, and advancement of heat transfer equipment and thermal system technologies. This role is responsible for developing new products, improving existing designs, and ensuring the company remains competitive in performance, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with company growth objectives.
• Identify emerging thermal technologies, materials, and industry trends.
• Drive product roadmap planning and lifecycle management.
•  Evaluate new market opportunities (energy efficiency, electrification, sustainability).

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead development of heat exchangers, condensers, radiators, or other thermal systems.
• Oversee thermal modeling, simulation (CFD/FEA), and performance testing.
• Improve heat transfer efficiency, durability, manufacturability, and cost structure.
• Approve engineering designs, calculations, specifications, and test protocols.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales and Applications Engineering to develop customer-specific solutions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure Design for Manufacturability.
• Support Supply Chain with material selection and vendor qualification.
• Work with Quality and Field Service to resolve product performance issues.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes and standards (e.g., ASME, API, TEMA, AHRI, ISO).
• Oversee safety analysis, pressure vessel compliance, and certification processes.
• Maintain adherence to environmental and energy efficiency regulations.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the R&D budget.
• Prioritize and allocate resources across development projects.
• Evaluate ROI and business case justification for new product initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field required
• PHD preferred
• PE license preferred
• 10+ years in thermal system design or heat transfer equipment engineering
• 5+ years in engineering leadership or R&D management
• Experience with pressure vessels and thermal system compliance standards
• Proven success launching engineered industrial products

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles
• Experience with CFD and FEA tools
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (welding, brazing, machining, fabrication)

Work Environment:

This job is based in a manufacturing environment with a combination of office and plant floor responsibilities. This role uses standard office equipment. When in the manufacturing facility, all employees are required to wear personal protective equipment to include/hearing protection, and safety glasses with side shields, and OSHA compliant safety boots/shoes.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is an exempt position. This is a full-time position with travel between the Tulsa and Claremore locations. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Travel:

Travel is required for this position.

Benefits:

They offer a generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, a generous paid time off schedule, and professional development opportunities.