Director of Product Development

Director of Product Development Engineering

LHH is partnering with a leading manufacturer of structural mounting solutions to recruit a Director of Product Development Engineering. This role is based in Albuquerque, NM and will lead a highly talented engineering team responsible for developing next-generation mechanical and structural products used in renewable energy applications.

If you’re a senior engineering leader with deep mechanical/structural expertise, a passion for product innovation, and the ability to lead cross-functional execution from concept through launch, this is a high-impact opportunity.

About the Role

The Director of Product Development Engineering oversees the full engineering lifecycle — product architecture, platform development, detailed mechanical design, testing/validation, and commercialization. You’ll guide a growing team of engineers and designers while partnering closely with product management, manufacturing, supply chain, and executive leadership.

This position blends technical depth , organizational leadership , and strategic execution , ensuring the engineering organization delivers reliable, scalable, cost-effective products aligned with commercial and market needs.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and grow a multi-disciplinary product development engineering team.
• Translate product roadmaps into detailed technical plans, schedules, and resource strategies.
• Drive system-level architecture decisions for new mechanical/structural platforms.
• Champion engineering excellence, standardization, and continuous improvement.

Product Development Ownership

• Oversee product development from concept through stage-gate, validation, release, and post-launch optimization.
• Ensure designs meet structural requirements (IBC, ASCE 7, UL 2703), installer workflows, manufacturability goals, and cost targets.
• Lead system-level tradeoff decisions and drive platform-based engineering strategies.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with Product Management to define requirements and success criteria.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Applications.
• Oversee prototypes, FEA, mechanical testing, DoEs, and certification efforts.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Build a scalable team structure (Product → Project → Development Engineers).
• Mentor engineers, refine processes, and strengthen communication across teams.
• Promote a culture of clarity, accountability, and innovation.

Governance & Communication

• Provide status updates, risk assessments, and resource needs to executive leadership.
• Lead engineering contributions for roadmap planning, lifecycle management, and stage-gate reviews.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of mechanical/structural product development experience.
• 5+ years in engineering leadership roles managing teams and complex programs.
• Expertise in: mechanical design, structural analysis/validation, extruded aluminum, steel fabrication, castings, fasteners, and mechanical testing.
• Strong working knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, UL 2703.
• Demonstrated success launching mechanical/structural products.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Solar or racking/mounting systems engineering experience.
• Experience managing external testing labs or structural engineering partners.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead engineering for a fast-growing company in the clean energy sector.
• Build and mentor a talented, collaborative engineering team.
• Work on meaningful, high-visibility products shaping the future of renewable energy.
• Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and long-term growth opportunities.