As part of Rain Bird’s Technology and Innovation group, this role heads the Product Research Center (PRC), supporting engineering and production through hands-on product testing. It requires a self-driven individual with strong communication skills, a commitment to safety, and a focus on continuous improvement, offering broad exposure to Rain Bird products and increased organizational visibility.

• Hire, manage, and lead PRC staff to ensure safe and high-quality testing practices.
• Test products for quality, competitiveness, design validation of new or modified products.
• Provide guidance on test equipment design and support offsite testing needs at remote Rain Bird facilities.
• Manage PRC budget and monthly expense allocations.

• B.S. degree in Engineering w/ typically 8+ years of experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Experience managing or a strong desire to lead in a production operation, including temporary contract employees.
• Ability to manage multiple projects including definition, planning, budgeting, schedule compression, and tracking.
• Hands-on problem solver with strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of design, materials and solid/fluid mechanics.
• Experience with 3D solid modeling and / or industrial sensors.
• Experience working in / leading at 5S environment ensuring organizational efficiency.
• Demonstrated success establishing and maintaining a safe work environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced Degree in Engineering or Business Management.
• Experience identifying and implementing automation to improve a Job Shop environment.
• Knowledge of automated data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of injection molded plastic component design and plastic materials.
• Knowledge of irrigation design, sprinklers, valves, and nozzle performance testing.
• Knowledge of pump systems, sizing, and basic maintenance.
• Skilled in recruiting, training, and maintaining a temporary staff.
• Skilled working with external contractors and contracts to support facility maintenance.
• Experience with Lean philosophies deployed in a production environment.
• Budgeting and income statement experience.

Rain Bird Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer