Manager, Research and Development (R&D) Engineering

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

This position is based at Nikkiso ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Manager, Research and Development (R&D) Engineering to lead our engineering research and development efforts.

The Manager, R&D Engineering will lead and oversee engineering projects aimed at creating and refining cryogenic pumps technologies. This role involves managing engineering teams, driving technological innovation, and ensuring successful project execution. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in engineering within the cryogenic pumps sector, strong leadership skills, and a track record of bringing innovative technologies to market.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Manage and mentor a team of engineers specializing in cryogenic pump technologies.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular reviews of performance KPIs, and provide guidance to enhance team capabilities and project outcomes.

 Project Management – Resource and budget:

• Oversee the development, check the engineering design and define the testing of systems and technologies.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budgets. Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget through efficient use of resources and cost-effective execution.
• Develop milestone schedules using a phase-gate methodology for “Go/No Go” decisions throughout the life of the project
• Identify and pursue opportunities for funding and partnerships to support R&D initiatives.

 Innovation & Technology Development:

• Drive the development of new engineering solutions and enhancements for cryogenic pump applications.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to foster innovation.

 Technical Oversight:

• Provide technical leadership and direction for engineering projects, ensuring adherence to best practices, industry standards, regulatory requirements and relevant internal (alo ISO) procedures
• Evaluate and resolve complex engineering challenges, ensuring high-quality and effective solutions.

 Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments, such as product management, manufacturing and business development, to integrate R&D outputs into commercial products. In a global context, the aforementioned departments can be remote and from other product companies within the Pumps Functional unit. This encompasses cooperation with remote engineering and purchasing resources.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between engineering teams and external partners or stakeholders.

 Documentation & Reporting:

• Prepare and present technical reports, project updates, dashboards and research findings to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of engineering processes, designs, and outcomes. Facilitate handover to production teams, assuring understanding of the design and manufacturing principles as well as the quality requirements. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or a related field). Master’s degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in engineering within the cryogenic pumps sector, including two years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading engineering projects from concept through to commercialization.
•  Fluent in English, for both verbal and written communication

Skills:

• Strong technical expertise in cryogenics, process or machinery preferred,.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in engineering design (SolidWorks Preferred) and project management tools and methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex engineering challenges.
• Experience with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance.
• Familiarity with data analysis and engineering modeling techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and innovative environment.

Work Environmental and Physical Demands:

• In order to perform the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Overtime may be necessary as the workload dictates. This may include week days, weekends, nights and/or holidays.
• Job will generally be performed in an office environment, but may require travel to a Client's office, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.
• Travel as required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed above are typically acquired through the levels of education and experience listed. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides an applicant with the listed knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job, may be accepted.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.