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Director of Research & Development

Pair Eyewear

Pair Eyewear

Administration
Irvine, CA, USA
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2023

At Pair Eyewear, we’re building the largest global eyecare company in the world focused on bringing personalization to the end to end eyecare experience, starting with your glasses. We’ve developed the first personalized eyewear brand where glasses can be an extension of your personality, mood, and interests. With funding from leading venture capitalists in the consumer space, partnerships in the entertainment, sports, and fashion arenas, and a team of passionate individuals, we’re on a mission to completely revolutionize the eyewear industry. We’re excited that we already have the support of Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah Magazine, CNN, and Forbes helping us share our story.

The Director of Research and Development will be responsible for driving innovation, creating new technologies, and delivering new products within Pair's core product pipeline. This role involves leading and managing the research and development teams, overseeing physical product creation, and implementing advanced manufacturing processes. The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to the company's vision through strategic physical product development.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead the R&D team, including planning, directing activities, and managing projects
  • Develop and execute the R&D roadmap to support the company's vision
  • Create new technologies, manufacturing methods, and factory processes
  • Drive the development of new products that establish a meaningful connection with customers
  • Lead advanced product development teams and ensure timely execution of multiple projects
  • Mentor and develop the R&D teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence
  • Collaborate with leaders in Design, Quality, and Manufacturing for cross-functional alignment
  • Communicate project status regularly to executive leadership
  • Adapt and excel in ambiguous situations with minimal guidance
  • Travel domestically and internationally as required

Who You Are:

  • Possess a science degree and relevant background
  • Have at least five years of experience in research and development
  • Proficient in Solidworks (five years) and Rhino (two years)
  • Hold at least five years of factory experience and program management
  • Skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator, and testing against ANSI specs
  • Familiarity with DOE/Sigma science
  • Strong understanding of algebra
  • Have electrical experience and knowledge of electronics and electricity
  • Ability to develop the organization's structure and anticipate future staffing needs

Need to Have:

  • Demonstrated expertise in leading R&D teams and managing budgets
  • Strong experience with physical product development and manufacturing processes
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
  • Track record of delivering projects on time and meeting performance goals

Nice to Have:

  • Proficiency in Matlab, Labview, Minitab, or JMP
  • Print experience and knowledge of vapor deposition/coating
  • Patents where listed as an inventor
  • Understanding of automation and mold design

Some Benefits and Perks of Working At Pair:

  • Health, vision and dental insurance
  • Generous vacation policies
  • Competitive salaries with equity opportunities
  • Retirement savings plan options
  • Free eyewear (plus discounts for family and friends)

At Pair, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary. The pay range for this position is expected to be between $165,000 - $185,000 and will depend on your skills, qualifications, and experience. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Pair is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of actual or perceived age, ancestry, citizenship, color, disability, familial status, family responsibilities, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.