Vice-President – R&D Jobs

Kontron Canada is looking for a Vice President R&D. As an active part of our management team, you will play a crucial role in the product strategy, design, development and implementation of state-of-the-art embedded computing systems.

Kontron's embedded computing systems interact with a wide variety of devices in rugged environments such as avionics, transportation, defense, and telecommunications. Your expertise in engineering team management, your strategic leadership and your ability to drive multiple projects simultaneously will be essential to the success of our projects and to define the products of tomorrow.

For Kontron, systems typically consist of high-performance computers of various forms for the embedded systems market operating in demanding environments.

To get a taste of the work environment at Kontron Canada, watch the following video in French: https://youtu.be/YQQIQ_8R_yo

An Overview Of The Challenges Ahead

As a member of management, you will:

• Ensure the implementation and management of tools and processes necessary for the on time and on budget execution of development projects required by the company's strategic orientations;
• Provide leadership of the R&D activities for Kontron Canada and Kontron America, a team of approximately 80 employees;
• Participate in the development of strategic plans and goals for the company as a member of the executive team;
• Set department objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance;
• Create and implement best practice engineering vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to help and improve business performance;
• Provide clear leadership and vision, inspire and motivate staff to achieve excellence and mentor them as they develop new skills;
• Drive the technology strategy for multiple product lines;
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process;
• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, leveraging data and market insights to identify new technologies, methodologies, and best practices;
• Developing the appropriate organisational structure, resource plans and culture to support the business objectives and customer deliverables;
• Develop and execute corporate and organizational policies, strategies and orientations in product and solutions development;
• Ensure efficient communication between teams to facilitate exchange of information and to implement change and improvements;
• Finally, support the sales team in developing product specification and quote activities.
• Drive Key Performance Indicators across all areas of the Engineering function to ensure that all projects are delivered on cost and on time to the highest quality standards;

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates creativity, resourcefulness, proactivity and great adaptability;
• Has strong leadership and organizational skills, excellent communication, priority management, planning and team mobilization skills;
• Is results orientated with ability to plan and deliver within project deadlines;
• Has strong technical background and understanding of embedded systems, hardware, software and mechanical development methodologies, including design, prototyping, testing and manufacturing;
• Has excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers;
• Has great sense of leadership and ownership;
• Has excellent problem-solving skills, with strategic thinking and strong decision-making ability;
• Is available to travel occasionally in America and elsewhere in the world.
• Is a valued collaborator, a team player with professionalism and a sense of responsibility;
• Demonstrates great skills in change management;

You Will Impress Us If You Have

• Experience: More than 10 years, including more than 5 years in management; knowledge of avionics and embedded systems; knowledge of modern project management tools.
• Education: Engineering degree with management experience in development engineering; MBA is an asset;

How About An Exceptional Work Environment Including

• A generous vacation policy and a large number of personal days;
• A modern facility with state of the art equipment;
• Good balance between work-family-personal life, including working from home if desired;
• An advantageous collective insurance program, including telemedecine;
• A competitive salary;
• A stimulating career path in various sectors of activity;
• A collective RRSP program in which Kontron Canada contributes;
• Social and sports activities, including access to a volleyball and soccer field;
• And much more…
• Various training for your professional development;
• Dedicated days for individual and team innovation projects;