Role Overview for VP, R&D, New Product Introduction with an Electronics Co. – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a pioneering force in the electronics industry, a company renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and market leadership. We are seeking a transformative executive to join their senior leadership team as the Vice President of Research & Development and New Product Introduction (NPI). Based in the vibrant technology hub of San Diego, CA, this is a career-defining opportunity for a strategic leader to helm the entire product creation lifecycle, from nascent concept to successful high-volume manufacturing. You will be the central pillar supporting the company’s future growth, responsible for architecting the technology roadmap, fostering a culture of relentless innovation, and ensuring the seamless execution of complex product development projects. This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership acumen, and a sharp business-oriented mindset. You will be empowered to build, mentor, and inspire a world-class engineering organization, driving the development of next-generation products that will captivate customers and redefine industry standards. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a proven track record of bringing cutting-edge electronics to market, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, New Product Introduction with an Electronics Co. – San Diego, CA
Strategic Technology Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive R&D and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Champion innovation by identifying and evaluating emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge and drive future product pipelines.
End-to-End NPI Process Ownership
Direct and oversee the entire New Product Introduction lifecycle. This includes managing the transition from initial ideation and architectural design through prototyping, detailed engineering, Design Verification Testing (DVT), Process Verification Testing (PVT), and ultimate ramp-up to mass production.
Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and grow a multi-disciplinary engineering organization encompassing hardware, software, firmware, mechanical, and systems engineering. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that encourages creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Implement professional development programs to nurture talent and build leadership capabilities within the team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Alignment
Serve as the primary technical liaison to the executive team and other key departments. Work in close partnership with Product Management to define product requirements, with Marketing to ensure successful product launches, and with Operations and Supply Chain to guarantee design for manufacturability (DFM), cost-effectiveness, and supply chain readiness.
Process Excellence and Methodology
Implement and refine best-in-class product development processes. Utilize structured methodologies like the Stage-Gate product development methodology to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project progress and team efficiency.
Fiscal and Resource Management
Develop and manage the annual R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and human resources. Provide accurate forecasting for project costs, timelines, and resource needs. Make critical decisions regarding internal versus external development resources.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Collaborate with legal counsel to develop and execute a robust IP strategy. Drive the patent application process to protect the company’s innovations and create a defensible technology portfolio.
Technical Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify potential technical, schedule, and resource risks across the product portfolio. Develop and implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to ensure predictable and successful project outcomes.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
Instill a ‘quality-first’ mindset throughout the R&D organization. Ensure that robust design for reliability (DFR) and design for test (DFT) principles are integrated early in the design process to deliver products that meet and exceed customer expectations and industry standards.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, New Product Introduction with an Electronics Co. – San Diego, CA
Educational Background
A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field is required. An MBA or advanced management training is a significant plus.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the electronics industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior R&D leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP).
Proven NPI Track Record
Demonstrable experience leading multiple complex electronic product development cycles from initial concept through to successful, high-volume market launch. Experience with products involving a tight integration of hardware, firmware, and software is essential.
Deep Technical Acumen
Broad and deep technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines, including analog and digital circuit design, embedded systems, power management, RF/wireless communications, and systems architecture. Must be able to engage in and guide deep technical discussions with subject matter experts.
Manufacturing Interface Expertise
Extensive experience working with both domestic and international contract manufacturers (CMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs). A thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, DFM/DFA principles, and quality control systems is mandatory.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate large, diverse teams. Must possess outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including the board of directors.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of business principles, including P&L management, budget development, ROI analysis, and strategic planning. Must be able to translate technical initiatives into tangible business outcomes.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the San Diego, CA area. Regular presence in the office is required to effectively lead the team and collaborate with stakeholders.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
- A highly competitive base salary and an attractive executive annual bonus structure tied to company and individual performance.
- A significant long-term incentive plan, including stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the success you help create.
- Comprehensive and premium health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company matching contribution.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued education.
- The opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art R&D facility with cutting-edge tools and equipment.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search managed by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in leading New Product Introduction for complex electronics. We encourage you to highlight specific products you have successfully brought to market and your direct contributions to their success. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information or to submit your application, please visit our practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing how you can drive the future of innovation with our client.
