Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager

If you’re looking for a progressive and rewarding career and you thrive in a fast-paced, fun and team-orientated environment, then look no further!

Overview of Vax:

Our heritage-rich, expert-led business has always had the same goal: to prioritize innovation and to design easy-to-use products that seamlessly integrate into our customers' lives, offering reliable, quick solutions to cleaning homes, whatever the mess.

Vax has forged its reputation as a brand that focuses on the needs of its customers. Our culture of innovation is at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to constantly think of new ways to improve our products, ensuring that we deliver premium quality products for our customers.

AdvancedDevelopment -Technical Research Manager

Global Floorcare, part of TTI, is home to two iconic floorcare brands: Vax and Hoover.Together, we combine decades ofexpertisewith a passion for innovation, creating products that make cleaning faster,easierand more effective for millions of customers around the world.

Our success is built on understanding the needs of consumers and continuously pushing the boundaries ofwhat'spossible in floorcare. Backed by the scale and strength of a global business, we are committed to developing high-quality, innovative solutions that deliver exceptional performance and help people care for their homes with confidence.

As our Technical Research Manager, you’ll lead the technical research capability within Advanced Development, providing the engineering depth that underpins future innovation. Leading our team of subject matter experts across CFD, NVH, System Modelling and Multi-Physics, you’ll ensure emerging technologies and concepts are built upon sound engineering principles and robust technical evidence.

Key Duties include:

• Lead and develop our Engineering Sciences capability, providing technical direction across CFD, NVH, Systems Modelling and Multi-physics.
• Guide the technical evaluation and maturation of new technologies, reducing uncertainty through structured engineering analysis and experimentation.
• Apply first principles engineering and sound mechanical engineering judgement to solve complex challenges.
• Develop system level understanding, engineering models and technical requirements to support concept development.
• Define technical learning plans and validation activities to de risk technologies before transition into NPD.
• Partner with Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design to ensure concepts are electro mechanically robust and the systems are optimised.
• Work with suppliers, universities and technology partners to evaluate emerging technologies and engineering methodologies.
• Present clear, evidence based technical recommendations that influence product architectures, our technology strategy and future investment decisions.

What we’re looking for

You’re an exceptional engineer with a passion for understanding how complex systems behave. You combine deep technical expertise with strong engineering judgement. You enjoy leading highly capable specialists and thrive on solving challenging problems through science, modelling and evidence. You’re as comfortable reviewing simulation data as you are influencing strategic technical decisions.

Skills, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc or BEng) in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or related discipline. (Master’s advantageous but not required).
• 8+ Years experience in Advanced Development, Research, Mechanical, Simulation or Systems Engineering within complex consumer or electromechanical products.
• Experience with Motors, Compressors, Filtration Systems and Pumps is desirable.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of specialist engineering disciplines such as CFD, NVH, System Modelling, Multi-Physics or Performance Engineering.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, aeroacoustics, heat transfer, structural behaviour and system level engineering.
• Experience using simulations, engineering analysis and physical testing to de risk technologies in support of engineering decisions.
• Proven ability to define system requirements, performance targets and technical validation strategies.
• Excellent first principles engineering capability, analytical thinking and mechanical engineering judgement.
• Confident communicator with experience presenting complex technical recommendations to senior stakeholders and cross functional teams.

What Makes You Successful

• Technical Authority: You’re a trusted engineering expert to provide sound technical judgement and guide complex engineering decisions.
• Engineering Science: You use first principles, modelling and analysis to understand a broader system behaviour and solve complex problems.
• Systems Thinking: You see the complete product, balance interactions, trade offs and performance across all fields of engineering.
• Capability Leadership: You develop and inspire specialist engineers, build technical excellence across CFD, NVH, Modelling and Engineering.
• Evidence Led Decisions: You reduce uncertainty through robust analysis techniques.
• Strategic Influence: You shape our future by providing confidence needed to invest in new ideas

Vax is made up of people who have a shared understanding of our mission and vision. Our values define who we are and what we stand for;

Trust - We’re experts and everything we do is based on brilliant knowledge.

Honesty - Our commitment to doing the right means we are always open and transparent.

Resilience - For decades, we have embraced change and been agile in what we do. We aren’t easily discouraged.

Innovation - We’re curious and explore opportunities, innovating to benefit our customers and business.

Valued - We are better when each of us feels included and respected for who we are and what we contribute.

Energy - We are positive thinkers, excited about what we do.