EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS (INCLUDE MUST HAVE CRITERIA)

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant Engineering Discipline. MSc / CEng preferred.
• Knowledge of Motion Control Principles, Motors, Drives and Related Control Systems.
• Understanding of Mechanics, Electronics and Software Control Systems, ideally with deep subject matter expertise in one of these areas.
• Demonstrable Technical Team Management and Project Delivery experience.
• Knowledge of Broadcast, TV/Film and/or Camera and Lens technology would be a distinct advantage.

PERSONAL SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal skills are required. Be an effective team player intra-departmentally and cross-functionally with a pragmatic approach. Create a culture of collaboration and innovation among diverse team members.
• Creative, proactive and results-focused approach to work.
• Proven ability to remain calm and problem solve under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail.

THE ROLE

Head of R&D will report directly to CEO and will be in charge of managing the delivery of all technical projects – Including oversight of electronic, mechanical, software areas.
Head of R&D will be expected to look after anywhere between 15 and 20 projects at once, with a mixture of bespoke client led products and core product development.
As the role evolves (along with the knowledge within the space/company), he/she will be expected to become more involved in thought leadership and becoming pro-active in identifying development opportunities.
Able to handle ever changing priorities in line with client requirements and will be expected to hold technical conversations both internally and externally.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Manage design and project engineers, in the fields of electronics, mechanics and software.
• Assume product design responsibilities and lead a cross-functional team through all stages of product development.
• Solicit and apply inputs from broadcast/film/robotics thought leaders, marketing, sales, and other engineers to define product specifications.
• Understand complex mechanical, electronic and software systems.
• Develop solutions to design problems through the application of engineering principles, analysis, and empirical methods.
• Proactively anticipate technical issues and with input from the project team, create and execute project plans to meet team objectives.
• Design prototypes for proof of concept.
• Develop methods and protocols for product verification and validation testing.
• Enhance the intellectual property position of the company via invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Manage departmental expenditure and personnel resources.
• Balance flow of resources among projects & maintain project priorities.
• Help sales of custom solutions by providing sales with feedback as to what is and isn’t possible and where needed rough system sketches or budgets.
• Ensure projects are executed properly & achieve market success.
• Develops and maintains specifications and provides planning resources and tool requirements.
• Evaluates final results of R&D projects to assure accomplishment of technical objectives.
• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
• Works with Sales & Marketing Team to transfer identified market demands into new products.
• Establishes and effectively communicates R&D activities across departments.
• Responsible for managing the IP portfolio and patent related topics.
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of innovative, class beating range of robotic camera solutions for a growing range of markets.
• Lead and manage (hands on) a diverse and established team of electronic, design, development, software and mechanical engineers (team of 26) to deliver projects on time, to market specification and within budget.
• Have strong project / programme management capabilities, able to lead a team to deliver on time, to market specification and within budget.
• Ensure Product Compliance with all required standards.
• Liaise with Nikon Head office (Japan) on Group Product Compliance matters.