Vice President Innovation and Technology

Company Generac Power Systems

Name Vice President Innovation and Technology

Req # 64755

Employment Type Full Time

Shift 1st

At Generac, our people help make the world safer, brighter, and more productive. We are united by our efforts to inspire change for a better world; impact our people and community; influence and achieve positive results; and innovate the industry. Our shared goals allow people with diverse backgrounds and points of view to work together, bringing our global customers peace of mind through reliable products and exceptional support.

The Vice President of Engineering - Innovation and Technology is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving innovation and technological advancement within the organization. This individual will lead a dynamic team of engineers and technologists, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President of Engineering will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's technological vision, roadmap, and long-term growth strategy.

This role is on-site in Waukesha, WI.

Major Responsibilities

• Innovation Strategy: Develop and execute an innovation strategy aligned with the company's goals and market trends. Identify emerging technologies and industry disruptions to drive innovation within the organization.

• Technology Roadmap: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and prioritize technology initiatives. Develop and maintain a comprehensive technology roadmap that supports business objectives and fosters competitive advantage.

• Research and Development: Lead R&D efforts to explore new technologies, methodologies, and product enhancements. Oversee prototype development, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept initiatives.

• Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing engineering team. Provide guidance, coaching, and career development opportunities to cultivate technical talent and foster a culture of innovation.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Establish strategic partnerships with technology vendors, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to leverage external expertise and resources. Collaborate with internal teams to integrate third-party solutions and drive innovation across the organization.

• Product Innovation: Work closely with product management and design teams to translate customer needs and market insights into innovative product solutions. Drive product innovation by championing user-centric design, rapid prototyping, and iterative development processes.

• IoT and AI: Ensure the quality, scalability and security of IoT and AI technologies while monitoring industry trends and advancement to maintain a competitive edge. Collaborate with internal departments to establish and maintain partnership with external vendors and technology partners.

• Technology Stack: Define and evolve the company's technology stack to ensure scalability, performance, and security. Evaluate new tools, frameworks, and platforms to optimize engineering productivity and enable future growth.

• Quality and Compliance: Set high standards for software quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Establish best practices for software development, testing, and deployment to ensure products meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other functional leaders in various functions and business groups to align technology initiatives with business objectives. Communicate technical concepts and priorities effectively to diverse stakeholders, including executives, investors, and customers.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the engineering organization. Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for innovation and optimization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Software Engineering or related Engineering degree

• Minimum of 20 years of engineering experience in product development and/or core technology development

• Minimum of 10 years leadership experience product, technology or innovation engineering

Preferred Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree or PhD in Engineering or Business

• Extensive experience in software development, architecture, and engineering management, preferably in fast-paced, technology-driven environments.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into business value.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams.

Deep knowledge of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in software development and engineering.

Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, drive change, and deliver results in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”