Director, Global Hearing Protection and Protective Communication R&D

Director leading R&D efforts in hearing protection and communication for diverse global markets at 3M. Guiding teams and ensuring compliance and innovation in product development.

Posted 7/13/2026full-timeIndianapolis • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $250,253 - $305,864 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in product development leadership, regulatory compliance, and team management within R&D environments. Proficient in translating business objectives into actionable plans while ensuring quality outcomes and innovation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Product Development LeadershipRegulatory ComplianceAcoustics and Acoustical MeasurementScrum/Agile ImplementationMaterials Science

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical DesignElectronic Product DesignEmbedded Firmware DevelopmentData AnalysisLean MethodologiesSix SigmaKaizenNPI Program ExecutionGlobal CommercializationHearing Conservation Methods

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipCoachingCollaborationStrategic PlanningRisk Management

Tools & Technologies

PowerAppsDigital Test RequestsLab Scheduling SystemsAI

Industry Keywords

Global Hearing Protection StandardsDynamic Properties of Materials3M MatrixProduct EngineeringTest Lab Efficiency

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Set and execute the technical vision and strategy that is aligned with global business objectives and growth initiatives
Translate business priorities into actionable, resourced, and measurable R&D plans, balancing innovation with compliance, product maintenance and cost optimization
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of product development and test engineers across multiple skillsets in project management, acoustics, mechanical design, electronics hardware, embedded firmware, product engineering, advanced development and the associated functional laboratories required
Direct portfolio execution of NPI programs, global regulatory certification projects, product engineering, and cost/productivity initiatives
Ensure technical rigor, risk management, and quality outcomes throughout the development lifecycle
Partner with Marketing, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Global Labs, and Business Leadership to drive customer-centric innovation and ensure readiness for global commercialization
Own laboratory budgets, resource planning, capital investment, and R&D vendor management
Support the annual strategic planning process in partnership with the Lab Operating Committee (LOC), ensuring portfolio priorities and commercialization plans align with division strategy
Continuously improve accredited test lab efficiency, capability, and throughput using Lean and digital tools (e.g., PowerApps, digital test requests, lab scheduling systems, AI)
Maintain fluency in core and adjacent technologies and guide development of proprietary solutions and patent filings in partnership with 3M Legal

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science or Engineering
Three (3) years of product development leadership experience in a private, public, government or military environment
Three (3) years of supervisory/management experience
Background in Acoustics and Acoustical Measurement Techniques
Background in Hearing Conservation methods and metrics
Understanding of global hearing protection regulatory standards and requirements
Understanding of Mechanical Design methodologies including injection molding and tool design
Background in Materials Science including Dynamic properties of materials
Background in electronic product design and development
Background in electronic product embedded firmware development and qualification
Significant Commercialization leadership of government regulated products
Global product development and laboratory management experience
Experience in Scrum/Agile implementation and practices
Significant Front End (Insights) Innovation experience
Significant International 3M experience and understanding of the 3M matrix
Process improvement experience such as six sigma, Kaizen, scrum processes
Ability to analyze data and arrive at decisions based on the analysis.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental & Vision
Health Savings Accounts
Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Disability Benefits
Life Insurance
Voluntary Benefits
Paid Absences
Retirement Benefits