Director of Product Development – HVAC & Cooling Systems

Director of Product Development – HVAC & Cooling Systems

Capitola, CA (On-site, M–F)

About the Opportunity

A growing, innovation-driven manufacturing company in the high-performance residential building sector is seeking a Director of Product Development to help lead their next phase of product evolution. With nearly two decades of patented success in radiant heating solutions, the company is now poised to expand into the cooling market and is looking for a technically astute, product-oriented leader to help pioneer the shift.

This is a unique opportunity to take an established flagship technology and transform it into next-generation consumer-facing innovations, including connected devices such as smart thermostats. You’ll work side-by-side with leadership in a nimble, tight-knit culture where your impact will be felt immediately.

If you’re a visionary with a deep understanding of the engineering lifecycle and a passion for beautiful, user-centered product design, this is your chance to shape the future of in-home climate control.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full product lifecycle development from ideation through production for both legacy and emerging systems, including entry into the cooling market.
• Drive in-house R&D and maintain tight control over proprietary innovation efforts.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate vision into precise, functional product specifications.
• Apply technical knowledge across multiple disciplines to oversee feasibility assessments, manufacturing constraints, and user needs.
• Own SolidWorks-based CAD modeling and support detailed design reviews.
• Evolve existing heating-focused products into intelligent, user-friendly consumer offerings—aiming to “make a thermostat feel like an iPhone box.”
• Serve as a product champion internally, with a strong commitment to hands-on problem-solving and technical mentoring.
• Ensure process efficiency and deliverables without red tape or excessive overhead in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Required Background & Skills

• Proven success in product development roles within engineered systems or technology-based consumer products.
• Strong interdisciplinary technical fluency—able to speak engineer, think like a designer, and execute like a product strategist.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and other modeling tools.
• Deep understanding of engineering processes across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, firmware, etc.).
• Experience managing hardware and/or embedded product development cycles end-to-end.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by influence and collaborate cross-functionally, even without formal team oversight.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to articulate complex product strategies to technical and non-technical audiences.
• High degree of versatility and resilience—able to thrive in environments that are lean, agile, and mission-focused.
• Long-term mindset and desire to embed within a company culture known for retaining its talent 10+ years.
• Must be on-site at the company’s state-of-the-art campus in the greater Santa Cruz Mountains / Capitola area, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.

Nice to Have

• Background in domestic climate control, hydronic systems, home automation, or similar construction tech fields.
• Exposure to consumer product design or industrial design principles.
• Experience working in a founder-led, family-owned business environment.

Why Join This Team?

• Competitive compensation package
• Generous benefits, 401K, and wellness perks.
• A collaborative, innovation-first culture with zero red tape.
• Opportunity to shape a company’s entire cooling division and redefine an industry segment.
• Work in a peaceful, high-quality office environment in a beautiful mountain setting just outside the Bay Area.

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS