Sr Mgr Mechanical Technology Development

Starkey is seeking a strategic, technically driven leader to build and lead a world-class Mechanical Engineering function within Advanced Development, shaping the technologies and product platforms that will define the future of hearing innovation. This is an opportunity to lead high-impact teams, advance emerging technologies and IP, and influence cross-functional R&D strategy from early concepts through product maturation.

Starkey is a world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of advanced hearing technologies. We are in the business of connecting people and changing lives. Our teams come to work each day focused on ensuring people everywhere have the products and services they need to hear better and live better.

Founded in 1967 by Bill Austin, Starkey is known for our cutting-edge hearing health innovations, industry-leading research and development, and not being afraid to push the edge of what's possible.

We are headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have over 5,000 employees in 29 facilities across the globe, and do business in more than 100 markets worldwide.

Watch this video to see more of what sets Starkey apart: https://youtu.be/9cUYwTlCepg?si=wkovx8_R_iINfrc6

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

The Sr. Manager, Mechanical Technology Development, leads the mechanical engineering strategy and execution within Starkey's Advanced Development organization. This leader is ultimately responsible for building and maintaining a world-class, state-of-the-art mechanical engineering function that continuously advances technical capabilities, challenges conventional approaches, and drives innovation in hearing aid technologies and products. The role provides technical vision, organizational leadership, and cross-functional influence across R&D to accelerate the development of future product concepts and platforms. Key responsibilities include team leadership, talent development, resource planning, and budget management.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

• Lead the strategy, technical direction, and execution for the Mechanical Engineering function within Advanced Development.
• Build and maintain a world-class, state-of-the-art mechanical engineering function by advancing team capabilities, tools, processes, and engineering best practices.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation in hearing aid technologies, products, and platform concepts, including the identification, development, and maturation of new technologies and intellectual property.
• Drive the maturation, integration, and transfer of mechanical technologies and concepts into product development programs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define future product opportunities and ensure alignment between mechanical engineering activities and broader business and product objectives.
• Provide organizational leadership through resource planning, prioritization, performance management, budget oversight, and development of department objectives.
• Leverage suppliers and external partners to expand capabilities and accelerate innovation.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, and customer insights to identify opportunities for differentiation and future growth.
• Represent the Mechanical Engineering function within R&D and serve as a key technical leader influencing engineering strategy across the organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Experience

• 15+ years of product development experience
• 5+ years of experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams through new product development, research, and prototyping.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of hearing aid design and manufacturing processes.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge in miniature plastic part design
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of plastic part tool design and injection molding.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge in elastomeric part design and silicone molding processes.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of fast, low cost prototyping processes and related equipment.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Creo Parametric CAD software.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of product development best practices (i.e. DFM, DOE, DFMEA, Lean PD, etc.)
• Intermediate familiarity and experience with various test equipment. (i.e. Audio analyzer, Mechanical force gauges, environmental chambers, etc.)
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Project Management best practices.
• Proven ability to perform complex engineering analysis and calculations.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, technology development, and intellectual property generation.
• Experience working with suppliers, development partners, ODM/JDM organizations, or contract manufacturers.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, vision, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent people management and team building skills.
• Excellent communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop tactical plans from strategic direction and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills required.

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Occasional travel

Salary and Other Compensation:

The target pay rate for this position is between $148,000 - $183,750 annually. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include: geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is eligible for a bonus based upon performance results. There is no guarantee of payout.

The following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, company-paid life and short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee assistance plan, hearing aid benefits, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, paid floating holidays, paid volunteer service day, paid paternity and maternity leave and tuition reimbursement.

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