Head of Compressor Engineering

Job Description

Role Summary

The Head of Compressor Engineering leads APAC compressor engineering for scroll and rotary compressors, driving advanced development, mass production introduction, and technology innovation. This role ensures competitive cost-performance, quality leadership, and timely delivery of compressor solutions for HVAC applications. The position oversees multi-site teams in Japan and China, manages a significant budget, and influences global product strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
- Define and implement compressor product strategy aligned with HVAC system requirements and business objectives.
- Drive technology roadmap for scroll and rotary compressors, including modular design and simulation-based methodologies.
- Establish and expand compressor development capabilities in China (Wuxi) by driving the knowledge transfer from Japan engineers especially secondees from Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (HGLS).

Technology & Innovation:
- Lead innovation in compressor design, manufacturing processes, and IP generation (>20 patents desirable).
- Improve cost-performance tradeoffs and reduce complexity through modular design.
- Evaluate emerging technologies for integration into 3–7 year product and technology roadmaps.

Operational Excellence:
- Ensure timely delivery of compressor projects from advanced development to mass production.
- Oversee engineering workflows to reduce time-to-market while improving quality and reliability.
- Manage annual Opex budget (~USD 10M+) and resource allocation across sites.

People Leadership:
- Lead multi-site teams (~50–80 headcount) with multiple leadership layers, including ~20 secondees from HGLS.
- Develop organizational capability, foster innovation culture, and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and sustainability standards.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

- 15+ years of product engineering experience, including full lifecycle compressor development.
- Proven success in leading large, multi-disciplinary teams and building new development centers.
- Deep technical expertise in compressor design and manufacturing (scroll and rotary), gas dynamics, lubrication, sound control, and test methods.
- Strong ability to influence in a matrix organization and manage across cultures.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Fluent in English; Japanese and/or Chinese language skills preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 30%+.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with modular design and simulation-based engineering workflows.
- Demonstrated track record of IP generation and technology leadership.
- Familiarity with Japanese engineering organizations and Joint Venture collaboration.

Additional Information

Global Salary Level: SL2