Director Engineering - Electronics and Controls

Generac

  • Waukesha, WI
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
We are Generac, a leading energy technology company committed to powering a smarter world.Over the 60 plus years of Generac’s history, we’ve been dedicated to energy innovation. From creating the home standby generator market category, to our current evolution into an energy technology solutions company, we continue to push new boundaries.The Director of Engineering – Electronics & Controls leads all global engineering activities related to embedded systems, including hardware, firmware, software, and systems integration. This role is accountable for driving product innovation, reliability, and lifecycle support across multiple business segments. The Director will establish a strong technical vision, guide a high-performing team, and partner cross-functionally to deliver differentiated solutions aligned with strategic business objectives.This leader is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and timely electronics and control systems across product lines. The role balances day-to-day execution with long-term capability development and plays a pivotal role in advancing the company’s competitive position in the marketplace.Major Responsibilities:Team Leadership & Talent Development
  • Lead and develop a global engineering team across multiple technical domains (hardware, firmware, software, systems).
  • Build and maintain a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Define performance standards, mentor key talent, and develop succession plans to build long-term organizational strength.
Engineering Strategy & Execution
  • Define and execute the strategy for electronics and control systems engineering in alignment with corporate and product group priorities.
  • Oversee global development efforts ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, quality, and product specifications.
  • Drive execution excellence through improved design processes, time-compression techniques, and engineering standardization.
Product Development Leadership
  • Lead the development and launch of new embedded systems and electronic control products, ensuring technical excellence and market alignment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product management, manufacturing, service, and supply chain—to ensure products are designed for manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Technology Advancement & Innovation
  • Stay ahead of emerging trends in electronics and controls; drive adoption of next-generation tools, platforms, and practices.
  • Promote a culture that values innovation, system thinking, and robust design.
  • Support applied research and technology exploration to feed long-term product roadmaps.
Business & Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Partner with product and business leaders to shape the global electronics roadmap based on market, customer, and technology insights.
  • Collaborate with operations and sourcing teams to navigate issues such as component obsolescence, supply shortages, and cost optimization.
  • Support annual budgeting, capital planning, and key strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with corporate growth goals.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • 15 years of progressive engineering experience.
  • 7 years of engineering management or leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of product development life cycle across hardware, firmware, and software.
  • Proven track record of delivering complex embedded systems on time and within budget.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead global, cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred Job Requirements:
  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Experience developing and launching core components (e.g., electronics, controls, electrical subsystems)
  • Direct experience managing global product releases across the entire product life cycle
  • Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, reliability, and design speed in high-impact environments
  • Experience in systems engineering practices and managing cross-functional tradeoffs
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

Generac