Do you love to create delight through design and attention to detail? Are you a MacGyver who always finds a way to get it done? If so, then we invite you to apply to AutoCamp to join our adventure.

The Senior Director of Research & Development (SDRD) will promote a culture of innovation and excellence in the disciplines of prefabricated/ modular design and construction, as well as a philosophy of being the knowledge leaders in the field of off-grid sustainable development. This person will be responsible for all facets of design, manufacturing, and delivery of AutoCamp’s signature line of prefabricated/ modular guest suites, as well as development of new cutting edge, off-grid units and other sustainability innovations.

This person will have the ability to bridge new technologies with business acumen, will bring experience in developing industry leading dwelling /prefab housing on a cost-effective basis, and will develop and sustain a culture of passion, hard-work, and innovation that will make AutoCamp the place to be for anyone interested in developing next generation sustainable off-grid accommodations.

This person will work directly with AutoCamp’s CEO, Chief Development Officer, Construction Team, and AC’s manufacturing partners. The SDRD will be responsible for budget, schedule, and quality of all of AC’s existing unit production as well as implementing running line design improvements to the units. Please note that while this is currently a remote position, you will need to be based in California, ideally within driving distance to our home office in Santa Barbara, CA.

AutoCamp is a lifestyle hotel brand that is changing the way people experience the great outdoors. We provide an upscale, hassle-free, and comfortable experience in the world’s top outdoor destinations – we call it Outdoor Hospitality.

Sounds good? We’d love to hear from you. Be sure to attach both a resume and a cover letter telling us about your relevant experience and salary requirements. Please Note: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will be crumpled up and used as campfire kindling.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead all lodging unit development engineering efforts for the company. He/she will have responsibility for directing the mechanical, telecommunications, electrical, and plumbing design and deployment efforts to ensure effective development of new products.
• Primary point of contact for all modular production and design partners.
• Maintains production schedule and budget for prefabricated guest rooms to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery to new properties.
• Maintains up to date design documents and bill of materials for all modular accommodation types.
• Responsible for product improvement and design refinement for all prefabricated guest room types.
• Designs, engineers, and develops new accommodation types with focus on cost effectiveness, guest experience, and minimal environmental impacts.
• A key focus of the role is to provide strong technical product leadership coupled with equally effective project management skills.
• Develop, direct, and maintain a system to manage all prefab product development programs and projects, including a rigorous review process, in order to ensure attainment of key milestones and adherence to product specifications, safety, timelines and budgets.
• Lead the external engineering teams to promote a high-performance, results-driven environment with a strict adherence to project management requirements.
• Support the Development and Marketing teams in developing a strong product assortment and a portfolio of accommodation types and products that are differentiated and provide competitive advantage for the company.
• Formulate and implement the long-term strategy with respect to new and emerging technologies that advance company objectives.
• Ensure that the research and development organization provides technical assistance to other departments.

Other duties include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in Development Team meetings and conference calls as required
• Represents the AutoCamp brand with all partnerships and vendors.
• Special projects as assigned.

Competencies:

• Background in Design, Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering
• Experienced with both conventional construction and modular construction techniques
• Sustainable design and off-grid systems.
• Hands on “tinkering experience” with RV systems, photovoltaic and battery systems, black water systems, and freshwater systems.
• Product Design / Industrial Design and production.
• Propensity to use Excel to solve problems.
• A passion for hospitality and the great outdoors.
• Strong relationship and negotiation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently and follow projects through to completion.
• Working knowledge of cloud based applications; knowledge of Google Suite products preferred.
• Thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Must be a MacGyver, able to find creative solutions when issues arise, with limited resources.
• Able and willing to travel regularly.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance required.

Required Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelors or advanced degree in Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical, Architecture or equivalent.
• Required: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in product development leadership roles within companies that design, develop, or construct and manufacture prefabricated housing or RVs.
• Proven ability to establish, articulate and implement a concrete product development strategy that clearly aligns with corporate and commercial goals.
• Strongly preferred: Master’s or graduate degree in mechanical engineering
• Hotel design and development experience a plus