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Location:  Milwaukee, WI (relocation assistance provided, if needed)

Position Overview:

Cleaver-Brooks is seeking an innovative and results-driven R&D Project Manager to lead cutting-edge product development initiatives. This role is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing advanced research, product design, and technology integration to drive the future of industrial heating solutions.  The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering leader with a passion for innovation, team mentorship, and hands-on technical expertise. You will lead cross-functional teams to design, develop, and launch next-generation products that enhance Cleaver-Brooks' market leadership in sustainable, high-efficiency solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Drive Innovation & Product Development

Lead R&D initiatives to develop new high-performance, energy-efficient thermal solutions aligned with company goals. Identify and integrate emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies to enhance product performance. Ensure products meet all regulatory, performance, and safety standards, including ASME Pressure Vessel codes.

Leadership & Team Development

Manage, mentor, and develop a team of designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and creativity. Align team priorities with organizational goals, ensuring projects stay on schedule and exceed expectations. Encourage collaboration between R&D, Manufacturing, Sales, and Service to ensure seamless product integration.

Project Management & Execution

Oversee the full product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialization. Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring high-quality execution. Implement agile and lean engineering practices to optimize design and development efficiency.

Strategic Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Manufacturing to translate customer needs into innovative, manufacturable solutions. Serve as a technical expert, guiding stakeholders on design, application, and performance considerations. Engage with suppliers and vendors to drive cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing solutions.

Industry Leadership & Compliance

Stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive advancements to inform product strategy. Ensure products comply with all safety regulations, codes, and industry standards. Contribute to thought leadership through technical presentations, patents, and innovation forums.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum 5+ years in R&D product development, engineering project management, and leading design teams in a manufacturing environment.

Technical Expertise:

Deep knowledge of heat transfer, combustion systems, and ASME Pressure Vessel codes. Experience with machining processes, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and industrial piping. Strong background in engineering design, prototyping, and product testing.

Leadership & Collaboration: Proven experience leading teams of designers/engineers and driving cross-functional collaboration.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect technical innovations with business strategy, identifying opportunities for product differentiation.

Project Management: Expertise in managing complex R&D projects, balancing technical depth with project execution.

Problem-Solving Mindset: Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.

Communication Skills: Ability to articulate technical concepts clearly to executives, customers, and engineering teams.

Why Join Cleaver-Brooks?

Cleaver-Brooks is the market leader in providing fully integrated boiler and burner systems. We lead the boiler/burner industry due to our unmatched distribution network’s ability to deliver the knowledge, service, training, and support that are essential to long-term performance. Our customers will tell you that we are the only equipment provider that manufactures boilers, burners, controls, and a full array of ancillary and aftermarket products. They will also mention that our unique single-source capability means that we can deliver fully integrated boiler room solutions that reduce overall costs and optimize space. It is our focus on products that deliver the most efficient, reliable, safe, and environmentally sustainable solutions that differentiate us in the marketplace. Cleaver-Brooks continues a 90+ year legacy of providing the customers we serve with extraordinary products designed to deliver unsurpassed performance through the power of commitment.

Be a Leader in Innovation

Work on cutting-edge R&D projects shaping the future of industrial heating technology. Lead a team driving breakthrough product innovations.

Make a Real Impact

Own the full product lifecycle, from concept to commercialization. Influence company strategy and define the next generation of Cleaver-Brooks solutions.

Collaborate with Industry Experts

Work alongside highly skilled engineers, designers, and business leaders. Be part of a company that values technical expertise and forward-thinking leadership.

Benefits of Being a Cleaver-Brooks Employee:

Competitive salary Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, maternity support program, discounted virtual physician visits, voluntary medical benefits (Critical Illness, Hospital Care, and Accidental Injury), FSA, HSA, life insurance, short term and long-term disability Cash matching 401(k) plan Employee assistance program (EAP) Pet insurance Employee discount program Tuition assistance Paid time off and 11 paid holidays

This description indicates the general nature of the tasks and responsibilities required of positions given this classification. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities. Nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of management to assign, direct, and control the specific duties of individuals performing this function. The Company reserves the right to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.