Senior Director, Research and Development

sharkninjaoperatingllc

Needham, MA, United States · Needham · United States

Posted Apr 29, 2026

Other
10200 - Engineering R&D

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Job description

About Us

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.

AI at SharkNinja

At SharkNinja, we’re building an AI-native culture. We’re not waiting for the future; we’re creating it. Our people are expected to experiment boldly, adopt new tools, and continuously raise what’s possible to create meaningful impact for our consumers. If you believe the best way to do your job hasn’t been invented yet, you’ll fit right in.

OVERVIEW

As the Senior Director of Research & Development, you will lead the R&D strategy and execution for Shark’s Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare categories, ensuring strong alignment to business priorities and delivery of high-quality, innovative products.

You will be responsible for translating company and category strategy into a focused R&D and technology roadmap, driving execution across programs and ensuring delivery of 5-star products that meet performance, cost, and timeline expectations.

You will play a key leadership role within Engineering, partnering closely with Category, Design, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment, prioritization, and successful product delivery. You will also lead and develop a high-performing global R&D organization, building strong technical capability and leadership depth within your teams.

WHAT THIS ROLE DELIVERS

Functional Leadership & Execution

Lead the R&D strategy and execution for Home Environment and Non-Robotic Floorcare, aligned to company and category priorities
Translate strategic direction into actionable R&D roadmaps and deliverables
Drive strong execution across programs, ensuring alignment to business goals

Portfolio & Program Execution

Oversee the R&D portfolio, ensuring appropriate prioritization, resourcing, and delivery
Drive execution discipline across programs to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality and performance targets
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and deliverables

Research, Innovation & Technology

Lead research efforts to identify and apply emerging technologies, materials, and system capabilities
Drive innovation that enhances product performance, cost efficiency, and scalability
Support evaluation of external technologies and partnerships to strengthen capabilities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Advanced Development, Product Management, Design, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution from concept through commercialization
Ensure R&D priorities are aligned with product, commercial, and manufacturing requirements

Team Leadership & Development

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing R&D organization
Drive accountability, collaboration, and a strong execution mindset across teams
Support development of future leaders and strengthen technical capabilities within the function

Risk Management & Communication

Identify and manage technical and execution risks across programs
Provide clear and consistent updates to senior leadership on progress, risks, and key decisions
Support data-driven decision-making through strong analysis and insights

ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

12+ years of experience in Engineering/R&D, with leadership responsibility for complex programs or teams
Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering consumer products from concept through commercialization
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or related field
Strong ability to translate strategy into execution and drive results in a fast-paced environment
Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders
Strong consumer mindset with the ability to connect product decisions to user needs and business outcomes
Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to support prioritization and decision-making
Experience with performance-driven systems (e.g., airflow, motors, or similar) preferred
Action-oriented, hands-on leader with strong problem-solving skills

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Strong execution across R&D programs, delivering high-quality products on time and within budget
Clear alignment across Engineering, Design, and Product teams
Well-prioritized portfolio focused on highest-impact initiatives
A capable, engaged R&D team with growing leadership strength
Consistent delivery of products that meet consumer expectations and business goals

Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary range for this position is displayed below. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts (HSA) with company contribution, 401(k) retirement plan with matching, employee stock purchase program, life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, company holidays, parental leave, identity theft protection, pet insurance, pre-paid legal insurance, back-up child and eldercare days, product discounts, referral bonus program, and more.

Pay Range

$161,500—$299,000 USD

Our Culture

At SharkNinja, we don’t just raise the bar—we push past it every single day. Our Outrageously Extraordinary mindset drives us to tackle the impossible, push boundaries, and deliver results that others only dream of. If you thrive on breaking out of your swim lane, you’ll be right at home.

What We Offer

We offer competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, SharkNinja product discounts, and more. We empower your personal and professional growth with high impact Learning Programs featuring bold voices redefining what’s possible. When you join, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of an outrageously extraordinary community. Together, we won’t just launch products—we’ll disrupt entire markets.

At SharkNinja, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. Valuing each unique voice and blending all of our diverse skills strengthens SharkNinja’s innovation every day. We support ALL associates in bringing their authentic selves to work, making an impact, and having the opportunity for career acceleration. With help from our leadership, associates, and our community, we aim to have equity be a key component of the SharkNinja DNA.

Learn more about us:
Life At SharkNinja
Outrageously Extraordinary

SharkNinja Candidate Privacy Notice

For candidates based in all regions, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.
For candidates based in China, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.
For candidates based in Vietnam, please refer to this Candidate Privacy Notice.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other class protected by legislation, and local law. SharkNinja will consider reasonable accommodations consistent with legislation, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact SharkNinja People & Culture at accommodations@sharkninja.com