Vice President of Engineering - Connected Product

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture, sale, service and installation of loading dock equipment, vehicle restraints, high speed doors, high volume, low speed fans and much more – all design to improve industrial safety, security, productivity, design, environmental control, and energy consumption. As a fast-growing B2B industrial manufacturing company, we are looking for a Vice President of Engineering with a Connected Products focus based out of our global headquarters in Milwaukee, WI.

Reporting directly to the President of Rite-Hite Digital Solutions, this position will be at the forefront of our digital transformation, harnessing innovative technologies to shape our next-generation Controls & IoT platforms. Your leadership will be critical in driving the convergence of hardware, controls, software, and IoT ecosystems to develop intelligent, secure, and scalable solutions for global markets. This is a unique opportunity to pioneer new advancements in IoT, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industrial technology space.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Leadership & Strategy

• Strategic Leadership: Build & manage the embedded software and controls product and advanced technology engineering teams in the innovation and development of software, and hardware control systems for Rite-Hite equipment and automation solutions.
• Innovation Culture: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Rite-Hite ONE Alignment: Collaborate closely within Digital Solutions to drive integrated Rite-Hite ONE value, and with senior management, product management, and other departments to define priorities, roadmaps, and objectives.

New Product Innovation:

• System Design and Optimization: Oversee the design of both embedded software architectures and control systems.
• Accelerate and Lead Innovation Initiatives: Drive the ideation, development, and implementation of next-gen advanced technology platforms, focusing on IoT integration, sensor applications, Edge AI, and embedded systems to enhance product functionality and user experiences.
• Driving IoT Innovation: Proven record in transforming the Voice of Customer into IoT-enabled products, leading to greater efficiency, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Emerging Technology: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and drive innovation in product development and engineering processes.
• Enterprise: Ensure that software developed meets all Non-functional Requirements, including scalability, high availability, and redundancy, performance, usability, and serviceability requirements.

Technical Oversight:

• Technology Platform Formulation: Successfully conceptualized and executed technology platforms that leverage AI, computer vision, and IoT to create intelligent systems.
• IoT Development and Networking: Oversee the design and secure implementation of IoT networking solutions, including sub-MHz, Wi-Fi, cellular, and ethernet technologies. Enable seamless communication across devices and platforms to create scalable, connected systems.
• Technology Architecture: Direct the development of custom PCB hardware platforms from the ground up, ensuring a modular and forward-thinking architecture to support a wide range of industrial applications.
• Cross-disciplinary Innovation: Work closely with cross-functional teams, from software developers to hardware engineers, to ensure seamless integration of IoT, AI, and machine learning technologies into our core platforms.
• Edge AI and Computer Vision: Lead projects focused on Edge AI and Computer Vision to create intelligent devices that can process data locally for faster, real-time decision-making and enhanced functionality.
• 2D and 3D LiDAR Solutions: Champion the development and integration of 2D and 3D LiDAR applications to enhance product safety, precision, and automation.
• GUI and User Experience: Oversee the design and development of intuitive Graphical User Interfaces (GUI’s) that enhance interaction with complex IoT platforms, delivering user-friendly experiences.

Operational Excellence:

• Engineering Performance: Set and monitor engineering metrics (KPIs) to measure performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes.
• Best practices: Champion best practices and ensure initiatives achieve business outcomes.
• Fiscal and Supplier Management: Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, controlling costs, and cultivating strong supplier relationships for advanced technology solutions.
• Product Liability & Patent Portfolio: Strong experience in patent filing, product liability management, and building a robust patent portfolio to protect innovation. Also, ensure compliance with domestic and international regulatory standards.

Collaboration:

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Adept at collaborating across multiple business units and technical disciplines to foster innovation and ensure the alignment of technology strategies with business objectives.
• Technical Expert: Provide deep technical expertise to the organization and act as a technical expert with legal counsel regarding patents and/or IP issues.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, control systems engineering, computer science or a related field. Advanced degrees MBA, or PhD are a plus.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of engineering experience with at least 7 years leading teams that drive innovation and technology platforms.
• Proven track record and progressive experience in the management, development, release, and maintenance of industrial controls and IoT technologies.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment, leveraging agile development methodologies.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Leadership & management:

• Leadership & Team building: ability to inspire and motivate teams, manage conflict and build strong relationships, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker: Strong ability to take visionary ideas and translate them into actionable and scalable technological solutions.
• Innovation: a passion for innovation, with the ability to lead the creation of cutting-edge products and systems.
• Project & Portfolio Management: ability to manage product liability, global regulatory compliance, and patent portfolios.
• Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross functional teams and technical & non-technical stakeholders
• Change Management: ability to lead organizational change and foster a culture of family and continuous improvement.

Technical Skills:

• Direct leadership experience of technical teams, including cloud platforms, embedded software and firmware, controls hardware design, and mobile (iOS, Android) development.
• Knowledge of latest connected device technologies that include Industrial equipment, automation, IOT devices, and sensor application.
• Hands-on experience with modern software development and engineering technologies.
• Experience in electrical design and manufacturing.
• Expertise in:
• Embedded Linux, Real-time Operating Systems, Cloud Technologies, Mobile Technologies
• PCB hardware development and architecture
• C/C++ firmware development
• IoT secure networking (including sub-MHz, Wi-Fi, cellular, ethernet)
• Edge AI and Computer Vision
• 2D/3D LiDAR applications
• Single Board Computing platforms with embedded Linux
• GUI development and user experience optimization
• Experience with implementing strategies and technologies to deliver cyber security and data privacy in embedded devices and IoT platforms
• Experience with wireless technologies and associated testing/certification processes

We Offer:

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package. If you are selected for an initial interview, you will receive a message from Rite-Hite’s “in-house” talent acquisition team. Interested applicants, please email resume to:

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.