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Hayward Holdings, Inc. · 3 hours ago

Engineering Director

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

12+ years exp

Hayward Holdings Inc. is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, and they are seeking a Director of Engineering for Gas Heaters & Heat Pumps. This senior leadership role is responsible for setting the technical direction and operational discipline for New Product Development and Sustaining Engineering at the Nashville facility, while leading a multidisciplinary engineering organization and ensuring product innovation and regulatory compliance.

E-CommerceIndustrialManufacturing

Responsibilities

Establish and execute the engineering strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives, product roadmaps, and long-term technology planning

Own the technology roadmap for gas heaters and heat pumps, balancing innovation, cost competitiveness, sustainability, and customer needs

Develop and advance combustion system technology - including modular product platform architecture, heat exchanger & burner optimization, control system advancement/innovation, operating efficiency improvements, and advancing our ignition control systems—to position Hayward as a market leader in heater performance and reliability

Partner with executive leadership to translate business goals into measurable engineering actions, priorities, and investment strategies

Lead planning and prioritization across product lines, ensuring resourcing and funding are aligned with enterprise objectives

Direct all NPD and Sustaining Engineering programs, ensuring disciplined execution across scope, cost, schedule, and performance

Enforce rigorous governance of project reviews, technical decisions, and program milestones

Oversee combustion performance validation, safety testing, thermal characterization, and emissions compliance for all gas-fired heater products

Oversee performance validation, safety testing, thermal characterization, and regulatory compliance for all heat pump products

Drive continuous improvement in development cycle time, product quality, and engineering efficiency

Establish operating metrics for performance management and continuous improvement

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing engineering organization through capability building, succession planning, and performance management

Create a culture of accountability, innovation, and technical excellence

Build internal competency in combustion engineering, thermal sciences, and gas-system safety with particular focus on modeling and simulation of systems

Identify and develop future leadership talent within the engineering organization

Foster a strong safety, compliance, and ethics culture

Serve as the primary engineering leader across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, testing, and program management functions

Drive collaboration to ensure smooth product transitions from design through production

Support manufacturing excellence through strong DFM/A practices and continuous engineering engagement

Partner closely with quality and regulatory teams to ensure heating products meet stringent safety, emissions, and certification requirements

Direct external engineering resources, development partners, and technology vendors

Own performance accountability for outsourced development efforts and third-party engineering services

Lead make/buy and technology-partnership decisions

Engage combustion system suppliers, burner technology innovators, universities, strategic consultants and regulatory bodies to advance product capabilities and maintain compliance

Ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements for global markets

Monitor regulatory trends and proactively align product development strategies with evolving requirements

Establish risk-management practices for product, compliance, and execution risk

Oversee risk mitigation related to combustion hazards, gas-system integrity, emissions standards, and thermal safety controls

Drive product differentiation through innovation, platform strategy, cost engineering, and performance enhancement

Maintain competitive intelligence and industry insight to inform product strategy

Promote sustainability and energy-efficient technology integration

Champion advancements in high efficiency low-NOx combustion, high COP heat pumps, and other high-efficiency gas heating solutions

Qualification

Engineering leadershipCombustion systemsGas burner designHeat exchanger developmentHVAC experienceThermal managementProgram governanceVendor managementExecutive communicationInnovationComplianceSafety cultureSustainabilityThermodynamicsFluid mechanicsTeam leadership

Required

12+ years of progressive engineering leadership within product development and manufacturing

8+ years of experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams

Proven track record of delivering products from concept to commercialization

Demonstrated experience balancing innovation with execution discipline

Strong program governance and executive-level communication skills

Requires 10% travel

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline required

Preferred

Experience working in HVAC, heating systems, thermal management, or closely related industries strongly preferred

Direct experience with combustion systems, gas burner design, heat exchanger development, ignition technologies, emissions compliance, or gas-fired appliance development strongly preferred

Vendor and outsourced engineering management experience preferred

Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field preferred