Plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work related to product design and development activities. Leads in selection, requirements, specification, initiation, and implementation of projects relating to new product application. Defines scope, plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work and departmental efforts related to product, process, tooling, and materials as it relates to product design and development activities. Monitors and controls costs, quality, timing, and other related aspects of projects. Understands and adheres to schedule and budgetary requirements of projects. Reports progress as required. Translates direction of technical work into specific plans of action and directs development activities to implementation phase. Serves as a liaison and coordinates development activities of internal and external resources. Participates in continuous improvement efforts. Research, recommends, and implements or improves new and/or existing products, processes, materials, technologies, and equipment. Serves as a resource by providing a problem-solving function by initiating action to overcome obstacles as they are encountered. Engages in comparative and competitive analysis to ensure utilization of most appropriate and beneficial techniques in a situation, respectively. Performs other duties as necessary for completion of projects and achievement of departmental goals and performs necessary procedures for protection of intellectual property rights.